ECTARC, the European Centre for Training and Regional Co-operation has secured EU funding to enable 100 Wales-based graduates to experience a work placement in another European country.
Working with GO Wales, ECTARC plan to recruit 100 . graduates per year to their Lifelong Learning Leonardo da Vinci programme to offer them the opportunity to develop their employment opportunities by participating in a 13 week programme of language and work experience directly connected to their studies in Spain, France, Germany or Italy.
The programme will accept applications four times per year and will be open to all degree specialisms. With more than 20 years experience of organising European placements, ECTARC have placed over 2,000 young people to date. Some of these have stayed and taken up employment in Europe and others have returned from their experiences to further develop their careers in Wales. The benefits to career development and employability of such a placement are obvious but it brings other rewards, as explained by Sharon Thomas, ECTARC’s Executive Director:
“Our participants gain so much in terms of confidence and wider skills development. To be immersed in another country for 13 weeks with the opportunity to hone your language skills while working does wonders for your career progression.”
Advertised via the GO Wales and ECTARC websites, these placements are an excellent opportunity to enhance graduates’ employability. HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales), project managers of the GO Wales programme are keen to develop this new addition to the placement programme.
David Blaney, Director of Strategic Development, HEFCW said:
‘We believe it is particularly important to the economic, social and cultural development of Wales that individuals here have the opportunity to access this European programme. We consider that the benefits are very clear in terms of personal and language development and employability’.
For further information see www.ectarc.com
