Local College Students Set to Benefit from International Work Experience Following Funding Bid Win

Up to 100 students from Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College and North Notts College (part of the RNN Group) have an exciting opportunity to apply for a fully paid international study experience following a successful funding bid for the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

Following the Brexit announcement that the Erasmus programme will not be continuing, these students will be part of the very last cohort to participate, however RNN Group’s strong international partnerships mean similar opportunities may be available in the future.

Over the next year, the project with Erasmus will offer 90 current college students and ten recent graduates the opportunity to work and study in European destinations such as Belgium, Italy or Malta.

Current students will have the chance to enhance their learning with on-the-job, practical experience for three weeks while graduates will have the opportunity to work abroad for two months. The funding will pay for flights, accommodation, and subsistence to ensure the opportunity is accessible and inclusive for all students eligible to take part.

This incredible opportunity will give students the chance to learn about their chosen industry sector on an international platform, develop highly sought-after employability skills such as team work, problem solving, resilience and communication and experience new cultures, interact with new people and grow in confidence through this transformational project.

Following a successful application and selection process, the first group of students are set to start their experience abroad from May this year (subject to Government advice regarding foreign travel).

RNN Group Head of Quality and Learner Experience Rebecca Blackburn was delighted with securing the funding from Erasmus+.

Rebecca said: “Having been successfully awarded this funding, the RNN Group has been able to benefit from partnerships with well-established international organisations who are experts in supporting students to get the most from these unique opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that our students have the best possible learning experience and this project will not only enhance their studies but will also broaden the personal skills which will support them in meeting their career goals.

“Participation in Erasmus projects helps to remove social and economic barriers and offer students a distinctive experience where they will develop high level skills on an international level. Through living and working in foreign communities, students will have the opportunity to apply and enhance their personal and professional skills, which will give them a significant advantage in an ever-competitive job market.

“Due to COVID-19 the timing of our project has been extended to support the safety of our students and staff. Both RNN Group and our international partners will only plan travel at a time whereby it is deemed safe to do so by both the Foreign Office and UK Government.”

To apply, students must be either current, full-time Level 3 students of Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College or North Notts College or should have graduated from one of the colleges within the last 12 months. Students should be aged 15-29, hold a UK Passport and not be involved in any other EU project.

For more info and to apply go to www.rotherham.ac.uk/support/international-work-experience-opportunity