Coming to Gecko from Europe
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General Information
Former promoter of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme, Gecko is currently managing mobility projects in Wolverhampton funded through the Erasmus+ programme. The programme is a unique and fantastic opportunity for young, skilled, and qualified people, from EU partner countries to be matched uniquely to placement opportunities, in a variety of businesses across Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Gecko ensures that participants are matched to the right employer and role, and that participants receive the accommodation and support they require to have a rewarding and career enhancing experience. |
At present, our inward mobility programmes take place in Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Birmingham was a world leader in the production of pens, buckles, buttons, jewellery and guns. Today the city still has an expanding economy, but mainly dominated by the service sector.
About Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is a vibrant city in the Midlands with a population of about 250 000. It was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, after which it became a major centre for industry. Today, Wolverhampton’s main industries are engineering and knowledge-based service industries.
Wolverhampton is an interesting place to explore. The city has a history after initially being founded c.985 and given to the Lady Wulfruna by the Anglo Saxons who ruled England. Wolverhampton has seen exponential growth since 985 and was a key part of the black country Industrial sector producing wealth in wool, steel and coal. The Wolverhampton racecourse is one of only five all-weather tracks in the UK. Its football team the famous Wolverhampton Wanderers is known around the world after being in the Premier League twice and having household names such as Steve Bull, Paul Ince and Dennis Irwin as part of their vast array of talent who have walked onto the pitch at Molineux Stadium.
In addition to its history Wolverhampton is also a central location in England which allows visitors to travel to and from most other parts of the country quite easily, normally returning the same day. Popular destinations include: London (1 hour 50 minutes), Liverpool (1 hour 10 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 10 minutes).
Wolverhampton has an excellent transport system. Regular bus services run from all parts of the city and beyond. The central bus station was completed in 2011 and is also a stop for many national coaches. It is the busiest terminus in the West Midlands. The train station is a 2-minute walk from the bus station and links with the rest of the UK.
What we provide for our participants
When a participant arrives in Wolverhampton or at an airport, Gecko is available to provide him/her with the following services:
– Pick-up and reception
– Accommodation in one of own shared houses
– Vocational training / Language training
– Programme of cultural and social activities
– Work placement
– Introduction, induction and monitoring of work placement
– To organize local transportation
– Tutoring, monitoring and evaluation of the students’ vocational competence
– Europass and Gecko certification
– Final Report
– Pick-up and reception
– Accommodation in one of own shared houses
– Vocational training / Language training
– Programme of cultural and social activities
– Work placement
– Introduction, induction and monitoring of work placement
– To organize local transportation
– Tutoring, monitoring and evaluation of the students’ vocational competence
– Europass and Gecko certification
– Final Report
Work Placements |
Functional English / Cultural Awareness Training |
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Participants undertake work placements in a range of different businesses within Wolverhampton and the locality.
Gecko has a fraternity of over 70 host organisations in Central England, who initially employed young people through our Future Jobs grants and are now working with us offering placements on our DWP Work Programme and inward mobilities on the Leonardo and Erasmus+ Programme. This has developed into an extensive network of organisations, in any sector, offering work placement opportunities. |
During the first few weeks of the programme, participants can undertake a programme of English language and cultural awareness training, as well as carrying out a number of cultural visits to places of local interest.
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Accommodation
Participants are housed in private accommodation or on the University of Wolverhampton Campus, within a short walking distance from the city centre.
The private accommodation houses usually have four-five bedrooms, a communal living space e.g. a lounge area and/or dining facilities, a garden, a fully-equipped kitchen, and bathroom(s).
The university accommodation usually consists of single bedrooms with communal areas such as kitchen and bathroom.
The private accommodation houses usually have four-five bedrooms, a communal living space e.g. a lounge area and/or dining facilities, a garden, a fully-equipped kitchen, and bathroom(s).
The university accommodation usually consists of single bedrooms with communal areas such as kitchen and bathroom.
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Private accommodation
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University accommodation
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This house has been selected for good facilities and proximity to local amenities and public transport. We make sure that all the individual bedrooms and communal areas have been fully furnished to a good standard and are as comfortable as possible – a ‘home from home’.
This house is a 3 storey, 5 bedroom property. It is spacious with a living room and kitchen/dining room. It also has 2 bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet and a large rear garden. The house is located in a pleasant suburb, but only 10 minutes walk from the city. The bus stops for two of the main routes into town are within easy walking distance, as are a selection of shops. We provide everything necessary for the occupants to live comfortably:
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Lomas Street is home to 13 buildings with 310 bedrooms, with a bathroom and kitchen shared with up to 7 people.
The accommodation in Lomas Street is a great place to live, study and socialise: it’s within walking distance of Wolverhampton City Centre, Gecko Programmes’ office and next to a 24 hour Asda supermarket. In collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton, we provide everything necessary for you to live comfortably: Kitchens and bathrooms are shared with up to 7 people – there’s plenty of space so you’re not getting under each other’s feet.
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The accommodation provided by Gecko is a no smoking zone. Any interns caught smoking on the premises will be issued an on the spot fine that must be paid either at the time of the fine being issued or will be taken from the guilty party’s pocket money allowance.
Visitors are not allowed to stay in the property overnight. The accommodation provided by Gecko Programmes is for interns only.
Visitors are not allowed to stay in the property overnight. The accommodation provided by Gecko Programmes is for interns only.
Testimonials from participants which completed an internship with us
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I learnt about a technical and specialist sector and how an English export agency works. I gained new commercial, computer and personal skills: to be more confident on the phone; to speak better English; to work in a sales team; to use and improve a database. This was all I needed to complete my profile and be more competitive in applying for future jobs. (Francesca)
I chose to take part in the project to have an experience abroad, which I didn’t have as a student. I chose England because I was fascinated about this country and by the opportunity to experience a culture and a way of life that is different from mine – and to improve my English, as well. (Maria) Being abroad is always an interesting experience, because it gives you the possibility to put yourself to the test, in a different country and in a different language. It is a good experience to know a different culture. (Giulia) |
I appreciate the work I had with my institution. I could not have stayed in a better place. I was totally satisfied. I experienced new people, new places and customs. (Marta)
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