Borders College is a rural Further Education college delivering initial vocational training levels SVQ 1-5 in a range of areas. Aim of project - to enhance the learning experience of our students through European work placements, enabling them to gain new knowledge, skills and practical working experiences in new and innovative environments and to aid achievement of qualifications that will impact on their personal development and future employability. Participant profile - All participants face difficulties in entering the labour market or progressing through employment due to lack of or insufficient qualifications, special needs or disabilities or being older learners having to undertake training to remain in employment. Those on Pre-Apprenticeship courses will benefit especially as securing Apprenticeships in the present economic climate is proving extremely difficult, the extra skills and experience from their placements will be highly beneficial. The College has good working partnerships with employers and educational institutions in Spain, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands Opportunities for work experience are limited in the Borders region of Scotland and through engaging with employers we are aware that there are huge advantages to be gained through trans-national work experience and practical training work, especially in the current economic climate. Project Activities - Within the SVQ structure work placement is a vital part of training and students will receive accreditation through a Scottish Qualification unit towards their relevant SVQ. Elements include working with new techniques, equipment and technology that are not available in Scotland as well as exposing students to new cultures, languages, best practice and diversifying their training into areas of non-traditional working practices. Subjects being studied at SVQ Level 1, 2 or 3, NC, Access and Intermediate 1 & 2 or National Progression Awards:- Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management Bricklaying Plumbing Motor Vehicle Construction Horse Management Beauty Therapy Hairdressing Childcare Sports Coaching Access to Learning (special needs) It is expected that all will achieve their relevant qualification after completing this element of work experience. No. of Participants - The project will commence on 1st December 2014 and complete on 30th November 2016 incorporating 28 different placements, 60 participants and 11 trans-national partners i.e. commercial and private organisations, vocational institutions and local authorities. All hosts involved offer work with new and innovative technologies or methods and are specialists within their area and can offer participants an opportunity to broaden experiences, develop new skills, disseminate and discuss best practice whilst experiencing new cultures, language and working life in a new environment. All placement durations are dependent on course and participant ability/needs (2-6 wks) 2 Swedish placements will be for special needs participants (8 in total) , some with multiple disabilities. All participants needs will be addressed in line with College's Equal Opportunities Inclusiveness and Disability Equality policies. Methodology - The project will have a Project Manager and dedicated staff to ensure that guidelines and compliance issues are adhered to and that the project achieves it aims and completes successfully. Partner agreements and ECVET methodology will be incorporated into the project through Memoranda of Understanding and Learning Agreements to detail all Learning Outcomes and validation criteria. Qualified staff will validate the Learning Outcomes enabling accreditation towards the participants SVQ qualification. Results - Participant achievement of relevant qualification. Potential long term benefits - upskilled workforce that is available to the Borders region to assist in economic growth. One of Borders College values is 'to value each and every individual... to raise aspirations, create opportunities and enhance the lives of its learners'. This project encompasses all these elements helping Borders College to achieve one its main aims for learners in its community and economic area.