The project objectives were to: 1 Provide a period of ‘real work’ experience for environmental, archaeology and craft VET students to increase skills, confidence and employability. 2. Ensure that this European experience was of relevance to the participant and accredited through our Green Village ECVET curriculum 3. Provide beneficiaries with time and support to increase language skills and key competencies including: Environmental Skills: planting, coppicing, footpath construction, countryside furniture, biodiversity assessments, species identification, surveying, habitat management. Archaeological skills: Excavation techniques, recording features, photography, planning, surveying, post-excavation, stratigraphy. Craft Skills: weaving, embroidery, silversmithing, blacksmithing, bookbinding, ceramics, wood carving and traditional building conservation and construction techniques. Provide VET training staff in these subjects with a greater understanding of VET training abroad, new approaches and the use of ECVET. To give staff an inspiring international perspective and new contacts to develop future cooperation and experience-sharing.
The activities in this project were decided upon following a review of our VMC application, internationalisation strategy, partnership consultation (UK and European hosts) and an evaluation of completed mobilities under previous PEATS projects. The project addressed sectoral needs identified for students of archaeology, environmental subjects and traditional skills and crafts, in consultation with our UK college partner network. The skills developed on placements were relevant for students of these subjects to progress into employment or further/higher education. The broader placement experience also aimed to develop broader perspectives in participants, build self-confidence and provide a CV enhancing experience. Staff placements aimed to provide UK VET tutors in these subjects with greater knowledge of ECVET, learn new approaches to VET training provision and to make new contacts for future cooperation.