With the recent launch of the new Erasmus+ programme, the EU aims to realise the goals set by its new ET2020 strategy and boost skills and employability, as well as modernise education, training, and youth work for its citizens. The seven year programme will have a budget of €14.7 billion; a 40% increase compared to previous spending levels, reflecting the EU’s commitment to investing in learning.
This programme is of key importance given the EU aim to improve skills and opportunities for all EU citizens. Erasmus+ will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad. Erasmus+ will support transnational partnerships among education, training, and youth institutions to foster cooperation and bridge the worlds of education and work in order to tackle the skills gaps we are facing in Europe.
“Welcoming meeting for Erasmus students” by Promocja UL used under Creative Commons 2.0/ Cropped from Original
It will also support national efforts to modernise education, training, and youth systems. In the field of Sport, there will be support for grassroots projects and cross-border challenges such as violence and racism. The EU and National Agencies will provide funding for a range of education and training activities based around supporting improvements in adult, higher, school and vocational educations. Selected projects will be based around modernising learning, sharing knowledge, developing innovations in learning as well as the exchange of individuals in order to enhance their skills. Erasmus+ will provide financial support to projects aimed at working with school children, students at colleges and universities and adults as well as the teaching methods used to support them. The programme provides a great opportunity to test new and innovative learning with EU partners facing the same types of issues and then to implement changes that will promote the modernisation of learning. Erasmus+ provides a great opportunity for schools and colleges from across Europe to connect and explore common areas of interest. The programme will also provide opportunities to test and improve adult education and youth work learning. This is of key importance given the challenges that both educational sectors have faced in recent years.
Erasmus+ will run from 2014 – 2020, with annual calls for new projects. Please visit Erasmus website for information on how to apply.
Our role
The European and International Affairs team at BCC helps Birmingham organisations to understand the funding programmes that are available, identify opportunities and develop projects for European funding. We do regular updates on funding programmes and related policy developments and organise information events and workshops. We also help with networking and provide partner search opportunities. We work extensively with UK national contact points and the European Commission. Once a funding opportunity is identified, we can assist you with a review of ideas and advice on development of the project and the application.
We will be holding an Erasmus+ Information day in Birmingham on Tuesday 25th November 2014 (AM). If you would like to attend, please register here: REGISTRATION
