Project background: The background to the project is MVV’s internationalisation via its MVV Environment subsidiary in Plymouth in south-west England. The resultant synergies in terms of involvement in the local infrastructure, particularly with City College Plymouth, should provide the company with good access to the British labour market. For trainees, the secondment to Plymouth will offer intercultural benefits and ideally supplement their language training. Given its participation in the recent Leonardo Da Vinci project, MVV Energie hopes to strengthen the links already in place with City College since 2012. In return, MVV Energie is offering City College students the opportunity to gain intercultural experience at and with MVV Energie in Mannheim. Project objectives: MVV Energie’s project objective is to offer its future specialist and management staff an early opportunity to gain intercultural experience. The internationalisation of the energy market and expansion in renewable energies make this far-sighted perspective necessary in the interests of the company’s strategic objectives and to enhance the high training standard of its specialist staff. Number and profile of participants: The application relates to a total of 12 trainees. These comprise the following training vocations: Systems mechanic Plant technology electrician Industrial mechanic Industrial clerk Office management assistant Upon starting the secondment, the trainees are in their 2nd or 3rd year of training. Description of activities and project implementation: The project is structured in the following stages: 1. Prior to application: Mutual declaration of intent between City College Plymouth and MVV Energie. Compilation of project file 2. Application process with deadline and clarification of topics with City College. 3. After approval of application: Compilation and agreement of provisional programme structures with City College Plymouth Information event for trainees and training staff Application and selection of trainees involved and training staff (per secondment: 6 trainees and one training staff member). Compilation of practical projects to be performed during the secondment. Preparatory intercultural and language training. Reference will be made to the experience gained by participants in the Leonardo Da Vinci project so as to take due account of regional particularities. Organisation of travel and accommodation, as well as leisure and cultural programme. Final agreement of programme and communication to partner organisation around 4 weeks ahead of secondment. Implementation of programme. (Here, use will made of the mentoring principle, i.e. trainees participating in the exchange programme will assume active support roles during the visit of the respective group). The programme implemented will be well-balanced and tailored to the respective group in cultural, linguistic, specialist and regional terms. . 4. Post-implementation Evaluation of project, compilation of final reports, discussion of experience gained with City College Plymouth, feedback to participants, closing presentation and handover of “Europass Mobility”. 5. Compilation of final report for the agency Targeted results: The targeted outcome is a sustainable partnership with City College Plymouth and with our MVV Environment subsidiary. Impact: The project should have a lasting impact on the personal and specialist development of participating trainees. In terms of our external communications, it should make a clear positive contribution towards attracting new trainees. Long-term benefits: Given the long-term involvement of MVV Environment, the competencies acquired should help reduce cultural and personal reservations when it comes to “working abroad”. This should help create a positive attitude towards future assignments to subsidiaries.