MEMBER of the European Parliament for Hampshire Catherine Bearder is urging local apprentices and students to take advantage of EU exchange programmes that allow them to study or train abroad.

Since 2007 2,764 students from Hampshire have benefitted from EU grants to study overseas, including 567 who went on work placements.

This week the European Parliament voted to expand the EU’s exchange abroad programmes and place a greater emphasis on vocational education. The proposals would see more funding spent on giving school leavers and young unemployed people the chance to do work placements abroad.

The EU’s new Erasmus+ programme will see stronger links established between local colleges and companies in Europe to create more opportunities to do vocational training abroad.

Courses last between one month to a year, with travel costs paid for and a small subsistence allowance provided to pay for food and accommodation.

Catherine Bearder is due to visit Southampton University to discuss the opportunities to study in the EU.

She said: "Being in Europe provides so many opportunities for young people. Hundreds of local students have benefitted from the chance to go abroad, learn a new language and expand their horizons.

"This opportunity shouldn’t be limited to university students, it must be open to all.

"I’m urging all young people in the South East to take advantage of EU programmes that allow them to study or train abroad.

"Going on a work placement overseas could help young people develop vital skills and stand out to future employers.

"This is another example of why being in the EU means more opportunity and prosperity for future generations."