Placement overview
Name: Alanis
Vocational area: Construction
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Lebrija, Spain
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" The highlight of the trip was the work itself, as a painter and decorator in a Spanish workshop. I was able to develop and improve new techniques with different brushes, paints and styles."
The placement
My manager’s small company had contracts with well-known global organisations such as ASOS, so we were excited to think that our work could make its way back to the UK or further abroad!
We overcame the initial language barrier with staff, and it soon felt like we had worked with each other for years! It was clear that our health and safety was paramount, as advice and equipment such as gloves were always provided.
The location
The best thing about working internationally is the cultural exchange with the local people. Our small Catholic village hosted 3 day long festivals where we were always welcomed! Easter was celebrated as the local people had done for centuries, with traditional clothing, decorations and customs.
The impact
The highlight of the trip for me was the work itself, as a painter and decorator in a Spanish workshop. I was able to develop and improve new techniques, with different brushes, paints and styles. I had never varnished anything before but it is now on my skills list!
Outcomes
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Improved language skills
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Exposure to cultural experience
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Confidence building
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Improved people skills
Collaboration and partnership is at the heart of what we do.
If you would like to find out more about the way we work, get in touch.
Placement overview
Name: Rita
Age: 21
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Lebrija, Spain
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“I have learned so much about myself and also developed my technical skills from this experience and hope to do an apprenticeship in the UK next.”
The motivation
I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to gain some real professional experience whilst travelling with my friends. I did not need to prepare much as everything was sorted for me.
The placement
Most of my tasks involved body work and painting the vehicles but I was also able to do mechanical tasks like replacing the fans, suspensions and oil filters, etc.
The location
Working in a Spanish company allowed me to develop my communication skills as I had to interact with Spanish speaking people on a daily basis.
I was a bit nervous at the start but realised that everyone responded well when I used my body language, and learned some key Spanish phrases. I also loved communicating with locals when my group would explore the area in the evenings.
The best thing about the destination for me was to experience the rich Andalusian culture and local Roman Catholic belief, and view the many related heritage sites.
The impact
I have learned so much about myself and also developed my technical skills from this experience and hope to do an apprenticeship in the UK next. My advice for future participants would be for them to just be themselves and to treat others how they would like to be treated.
My Erasmus+ placement was the first time I had worked in my field and I was able to apply the knowledge that I gained from the course in the company that I worked at.
Outcomes
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Improved language skills
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Exposure to cultural experience
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Confidence building
-
Improved people skills
Collaboration and partnership is at the heart of what we do.
If you would like to find out more about the way we work, get in touch.
