Wolverhampton Adult Education Service is running a new programme in association with the European Union's Erasmus Plus scheme, giving adults the opportunity to learn new skills and get a taste of working in another European country.
Up to 45 places are available on the programme and the first group of 10 are preparing to enjoy La Dolce Vita when they head out to Brescia in Italy next week.
The placements are expected to last 5 weeks, giving those taking part the chance to develop skills in a range of fields including childcare, food preparation, social care and working with young people.
They have recently completed a special preparation programme run by the Adult Education Service where they have learnt basic Italian and about Italian life and culture, and will receive funding from Erasmus Plus to cover the cost of their flights, accommodation and basic living expenses while on the placement.
Further placements are set to take place over the coming months, with a total of 45 places available - and the Adult Education Service is keen to hear from anyone who would like to take part in the scheme.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "Our Adult Education Service strives to help people learn employable skills and develop behaviours and attitudes that will best equip them for the job market.
"This project is a wonderful way of not only giving residents valuable work experience and enhance their employability, but also the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, which in turn will provide them with very important life skills.
"I'd encourage anyone who is inspired by the chance of getting vital work experience in Europe to find out more about this exciting opportunity, as there are a number of places on the programme available over the next 18 months or so."
Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Mike Heap, who will be wishing the group well for their journey when they visit the Mayor's Parlour on Monday (12 January), added: "In today's world, having the ability to understand other cultures is so important and this experience will give them something special to include in their future job applications. They will also be ambassadors for Wolverhampton and I am sure they will do us proud."
Anyone interested in applying for the Erasmus Plus programme should email judith.heywood@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk, providing a brief summary of their previous qualifications, hobbies and any work or voluntary experience they have completed. For further information about the Adult Education Service please call 01902 551658 or log on to Type=links;Linkid=2102;Title=Adult Education Service;Target=_blank;.
- released: Thursday 8 January, 2015