Leicester College have been offering their learners a unique opportunity to travel abroad as part of their course of study and get to work as electricians to gain valuable experience.

Over a two year period, Leicester College is recruiting learners from their electrical installation course to spend 6 weeks in Seville (Spain), as part of the Erasmus Plus European mobility programme. During this time, they have been placed in local electrical installation companies to learn about renewable energy, different supply and installation methods and different construction techniques.

This experience has increased learners’ employability and broadened their horizons, as well as boosting their confidence and self assurance as electricians.

Results from a learner survey revealed that all learners agree that they have gained knowledge, skills and professional experience that they would not have gained on their course. They are more confident and convinced of their own ability and open minded about new challenges. They feel the programme has increased their chances of getting a better job and has given them a clearer idea about their professional career and aspirations.

Neil McManus is the course tutor at Leicester College and spoke about the impact the placements have had on his learners and Leicester College more generally.

‘We sent out a diverse group of learners – some of them had never been to Europe before.’

He gave an example of one learner who has been studying electrical maintenance from Level 1, on the 14-16 school programme. ‘In all the time I have taught him, he never spoke more than 10 words. Since returning from Seville, he is chatty, confident and bubbly; he is like a different person.’

Another learner was nearly removed from the course, because he had the wrong attitude and his attendance was poor. Neil was able to use the opportunity to go to Seville to motivate him to improve his performance. He did undertake a placement in Seville and Neil has seen a complete turnaround; he is now a model learner, gaining credits and distinctions for his work.

Daniel Macguire, aged 20, recently returned from a placement in Seville;

“The Seville trip was better than what I expected, we got to experience working in a pumping station and various irrigation systems. It was definitely once in a lifetime opportunity as we would not have had that chance if we had not gone.”

“My aim is to get an apprenticeship and feel that the work experience in Seville will help me reach my goals to become one of the fully qualified electricians.”

Neil is clear about the benefits to Leicester College

‘It keeps the learners motivated and engaged as it is something rewarding to work towards. The guys are buzzing and positive and the next group are already looking forward to their trip.

Offering students an international work placement puts Leicester College at the forefront – where else would they be given this opportunity?’

Through the project, Leicester College has developed new relationships with European partners and increased their international outlook.

Learners from other vocational courses at Leicester College have now heard about the mobility and are keen to get involved. The College is now planning to expand its activity so that it can offer mobility opportunities to more of its learners in the future.

“I would advise any learners who are given the opportunity to do something similar to really consider it as a serious career stepping stone – don’t miss out. It is a fantastic experience that will help take you to the next level.”

Karl Smith, aged 22