This year, the European Commission will launch Erasmus+ 2021 – 2027 – the next iteration of Erasmus+ with some exciting changes for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Not only will there be a substantial increase in funding for the programme but there will also be opportunities for vocational learners, apprentices and staff to experience work and life beyond Europe – opportunities that, until now, have only been available to Higher Education.
Siân Holleran, European and International Coordinator at ColegauCymru, attended ‘Co-creating Erasmus+ and The European Solidarity Corps’, an event in Brussels that put European Commission officials, responsible for the development of the new programme, in touch with beneficiaries of Erasmus+ funding and National Agencies from across the EU. The array of workshops gave beneficiaries from all sectors a chance to put forward suggestions to the European Commission for improvements to the programme particularly in relation to simplifying the application process and the sharing of data to be able to measure impact more effectively.
In the last few days, ColegauCymru has just submitted its largest ever application for funding for learner mobility working with over 40 EU partners to enable 876 learners to undertake short term work placements across 12 EU countries. The UK government has confirmed that funding will be guaranteed for these projects if they are approved. However, the UK’s role in the future Erasmus+ programme is not yet confirmed. ColegauCymru urges the UK government to provide assurances that the UK will remain a full member of Erasmus+ to ensure that VET learners, staff and apprentices can continue to benefit from these exciting opportunities.
