Erasmus+ VET: Cork College of FET, Mallow Campus
Erasmus+ Learning Mobility of Individuals projects are supported under Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ programme. This action aims to deliver positive and lasting impacts for both participants and participating organisations. Cork College of FET, Mallow Campus, is a further education and training provider, offering a diverse range of courses, services, and progression opportunities.
Since 2016, the organisation has been involved in Erasmus+ mobilities, sending both learners and staff to other organisations across Europe. Read on to discover more about their Erasmus+ journey and how it has fostered both personal and professional growth for learners and staff!
Reflecting on the professional growth John, Principal of Mallow College of Further Education, and his team have experienced, John shared how organising Erasmus+ mobilities, though initially daunting, has significantly enhanced his skillset in areas such as communication, financial management, and IT. Erasmus+ has also provided the opportunity to connect with other VET colleges across Europe, introducing innovative teaching methods and different perspectives into their classrooms.
“Dealing with a lot of different organisations across Europe, you see how different cultures operate. Every time we have go on mobility, we bring back some new information that we try to implement in the college.”
John Healy, Principal of Mallow College of Further Education
Learners have also had the opportunity to work with partner institutions in other European countries, such as Malta, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in their chosen professions. Beyond their professional development, students cultivated key transversal skills including self-confidence, language proficiency, adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork. During a reflective session midway through the mobility, John recounted how the learners shared stories of personal growth and resilience, showcasing the profound impact of Erasmus+ not only on their careers but also on their personal lives.
“As each student spoke, a common theme emerged: the transformative moment of translating classroom theory into real-world practice in a foreign setting. But it wasn’t just about vocational skills. These young learners also spoke of the profound personal growth they felt. The challenges of navigating a foreign language and adapting to a different work culture made them more resilient and adaptable. The initial feelings of homesickness and culture shock had transformed into stories of newfound friendships, broadened horizons, and increased self-confidence. The sheer energy in that reflection session was palpable. It wasn’t just about individual achievements but a collective realization that their vocational training wasn’t confined to the walls of a classroom or the borders of a country. That evening, they didn’t just see themselves as students from Ireland but as global citizens, ready to use their skills anywhere in the world.”
Cork College of FET, Mallow Campus, is a best practice example of how Erasmus+ transforms learning into life skills, supports staff in broadening their skillsets, and empowers learners beyond the classroom!
If you’re interested in learning about what Erasmus+ has to offer, explore the helpful resources below:
For more information on Erasmus+ and how you can get involved, contact our team at etd@leargas.ie