Leonardo Programme – Funding for Lifelong Learning
The Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme gives people from across Europe the opportunity to develop their skills whilst experiencing life in another country. It funds work placements for students, trainees and staff. Leonardo also supports European projects to discuss common issues or develop training materials, courses and frameworks.
City of Wolverhampton College is proud to be actively involved in Leonardo. Our learners can take part in placements abroad and we also host students from educational organisations all over Europe.
The college is currently running a three month work placement in Florence, Italy for Level Four Creative Arts students. During their placements they will be fully immersed in Italian work, life and culture. Their placements are geared towards their future career goals with students working for recording studios, production companies, magazines and arts organisations.
Eight students are travelling to Florence in April 2011 and will be returning in July.
We would like to wish them “buona fortuna!” from everyone at City of Wolverhampton College!
We sent another 9 students abroad who also completed 3 month internships.
We were also successful in gaining further funding for a new project this year which will involve students from across the whole creative arts department going to Florence for a 2 week placement.
Art & design students, media & music and performing arts students will complete placements relevant to their area of study. They will also participate in a language and cultural training programme before they leave and whilst abroad.
CASE STUDY – Jay Prosser
Jay joined City of Wolverhampton College in 2009 as a Music Technology and Performing Arts apprentice.
Since then he has completed his apprenticeship and gained a Foundation Degree in Music Production.
He jumped at the chance to apply for a Leonardo placement in Florence:
“This is great opportunity for me, and the other students involved. It is a chance to get experience in the area I want to succeed in. I never thought I’d get a chance to work in Italy at placement level!
Jay has applied to work at the “Loraine 10” recording studios or with a photography company:
“Music has been the main focus of my studies so far but I also have a big interest in photography. Both of these areas have potential to take me all over the world. I can’t wait to find out what it is like to work in another country.”
Jay is planning to put his Italian experience to good use when he returns by doing some voluntary teaching.
For more information on City of Wolverhampton College’s Leonardo projects please contact:
Elke Theissl, Assistant Head of Creative Arts,
City of Wolverhampton College, Paget Road Campus, WV6 0DU.
Tel: 01902-317646. Email: theissle@wolvcoll.ac.uk