GTI has been awarded accreditation and the excellence label under the new Erasmus+ Programme.
John McLoughlin, deputy principal at GTI and Erasmus+ co-ordinator, said: "The award of the Erasmus accreditation confirms that GTI has set up a plan to implement high quality mobility activities as part of a wider effort to develop our organisation. This plan is called an Erasmus plan and it is a key part of the application for Erasmus accreditation. The Erasmus+ team at GTI have built a bank of experience and expertise spanning almost 13 years which has had a profoundly positive impact on GTI’s development as a leading college of further education."
The European development plan is for five years and GTI’s Erasmus+ plan was deemed very positive, as was GTI’s blended learning policy and GRETB's strategy statement. The evaluation committee pointed to a strong focus on inclusion with a high number of learners experiencing disadvantage. Erasmus opportunities will continue to be offered to learners in all courses on offer in the college as well as to all GTI staff.
Geraldine Gibbons, principal of GTI, said: "Since 2008, GTI has collaborated with 60-plus international project partners in 14 countries. GTI is also a member of Innmain, a network of educational institutions, companies, chambers of commerce, and associations of entrepreneurs. We very much look forward to continuing to host incoming teachers and learners, as well as hosting VET experts and exploring participation in skills competitions while providing advice, mentorship, and support to others wishing to engage in the Erasmus Programme, particularly at GRETB level as well as at a national and European level."
The excellence label awarded to Galway Technical Institute was based on the excellent quality of its projects and development through Erasmus+ to date and will be recognised between March 1 2021 and December 31, 2027.
