ColegauCymru has this month submitted an application to the Turing Scheme on behalf of our member colleges in Wales. The Scheme ensures continuation of valuable work and study abroad opportunities for FE learners ur member colleges in Wales. The Scheme is the UK’s global programme to study and work abroad providing funding for FE college learners to spend time living, studying or training across the world and is the UK Government’s replacement for the established Erasmus+ Programme.
ColegauCymru European and International Project Manager Sian Holleran said,
“We’re pleased that the Turing Scheme has been introduced and is offering FE learners opportunities to train and study across the world. We have long championed the value of these mobility programmes for vocational learners and are pleased to see the Scheme widen participation to A level learners and those with Additional Learning Needs.”
Key Information
- The ColegauCymru Project is valued at £1.4m and works with 28 partners across 19 countries
- The Project has requested funding for up to 528 participants to take part in a range of overseas opportunities
- All member colleges in Wales are involved in the Project
ColegauCymru is pleased to have submitted some exciting proposals including:
- an opportunity for Sport and Childcare learners to visit Patagonia, to support Welsh medium education in primary and secondary school settings;
- USA visits to locations such as Cincinnati, Kentucky and Ohio, offering ILS learners with additional learning needs the opportunity to be experience a range of environments and industries and the variety of roles available for their career progression; and
- rugby academy learners to have the chance to be immersed in a professional rugby environment in New Zealand.
Confirmation on the success of the application will be received in July 2021, with activities scheduled to take place between September 2021 and August 2022.
ColegauCymru Cymru Chief Executive Iestyn Davies added,
“The past two years have been challenging for international exchange programmes, not least because of the impact of both Brexit and the Covid19 pandemic, which has been felt acutely across our colleges. As restrictions continue to be relaxed, we await clarity on plans for overseas travel, so that we can begin to plan positively for the future. These exciting opportunities to enrich and enhance learning experiences are a key part of the further education experience.”
If the application is successful, the mobilities under the UK Government scheme will complement those being developed under the Welsh Government programme and remaining funds from the European Commission will also support the final phase of the Erasmus+ scheme run by ColegauCymru.
