Birmingham students win creative European work placements
Georgia Lloyd and Michael Nguyen will visit Italy and Spain through Gecko Programmes Ltd, part of the European Union’s Erasmus Plus Programme.
Their learning programme includes a work placement and enterprise and employability qualifications.
Georgia, who completed a BTEC Diploma in Fashion at the college, deferred her place at Birmingham City University to attend the programme which involves spending two months in Florence.
“I’ve been on holiday to Italy before, but this will be a new experience because it’s a real chance to live and work abroad and be independent,” she said.
“After my studies, I hope to become a freelance designer with my own label. The Gecko programme will inspire and motivate me by showing me how specific clothing manufacturers and businesses run in other countries in comparison to the UK. This will help me develop my own business once I am established.”
Music Performance student, Michael will complete his three-week Gecko programme in La Coruna. “I see the programme as a good experience,” he said. “It will boost my chances of working in music in future.
“My placement will involve teaching musical theory to young children. I have done this once before in a primary school, but this will be different because I’ll spend more time with the pupils and will see the learning progress they make.
“I will learn some basic Spanish before I go as I want to build a good rapport with everyone.”
BMet is one of three consortium colleges that the Gecko programmes are available to. The programmes are designed to help Birmingham students turn their dedication to the arts into sustainable employment.
Jenny North, Head of Careers and Employment at BMet said: “Every student taking part in Gecko programmes has benefited greatly because of the strong focus on their professional development. Working abroad provides them with a unique cultural perspective that develops their employability skills and improves their careers prospects on their return to the UK.
“We look forward to inviting many more of our students to participate in these programmes over the next academic year.”