Pathway 1 2025 is coming soon, click here to find out more

 Get in touch
Digital Publication

Taith Pathway 1 - Mobility of participants - 2025

FE and VET Version 1.0, Jan 2025
  1. Taith Pathway 1 - Mobility of Participants
    1. Introduction to Pathway 1
    2. Eligible Sectors
    3. Sustainability
  2. Timelines and Available Budget
    1. Timeline
    2. Available Budget
  3. Applying for Pathway 1
    1. Deadline
    2. Before you apply
    3. Completing an application
  4. Eligibility
    1. Project duration
    2. Eligible organisations
    3. Eligible mobilities, participants, and the funding we can provide
    4. Inward Mobility
  5. Pathway 1 Grant Rates and what Pathway 1 funding can include
    1. Travel, Subsistence and Organisational Support
    2. Course/Training Costs
    3. Virtual Group Exchanges: Development Costs
    4. Additional Funding available once your project has started
  6. What happens once I submit my application?
    1. Assessment of applications
  7. What happens if your application is successful
    1. Project Management
    2. Additional funding
    3. Reporting
    4. Certificates of Expenditure
  8. Annex 1
  9. Annex 2
  10. Glossary

4. Eligibility
A group of Lesotho and Welsh high school students with their arms around each other smiling at the camera.

This section includes all the information on eligible organisations, mobilities, durations, participants and costs for the FE and VET sectors. Information about other sectors can be found in the relevant sector’s Pathway 1 Guide.

4.1. Project duration

Eligible project durations you can choose from are:

  • 12 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 months

Please ensure you understand the visa requirements of the country(ies) to which you plan to send your participants and allow sufficient time for the visa application process (where relevant).

Taith is unable to provide advice on visas or provide support with visa applications.

4.2. Eligible organisations

Organisations can only submit one application per sector per Pathway funding call. You should ensure that multiple applications to the same Pathway funding call are not submitted by different parties in the same organisation. Organisations which work across more than one sector can submit one application per sector if they meet the eligibility criteria for those sectors.

Organisations can apply individually or as part of a Consortium (group) of organisations. All organisations involved in the consortium must meet the eligibility criteria shown below.

Individual participants are not eligible to apply directly to Taith.

4.2.1 Organisations who can apply for Taith (FE and VET sectors):

FE

  •  any public organisation regulated or registered in, and operating from, Wales active in the field of further education, and which offers a range of courses at different levels within the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales, leading to accredited qualifications
  • national, regional or local co-ordinating bodies operating within Wales and overseeing the provision of further education
  • consortium of not-for-profit organisations/providers, which comprises a single lead organisation applying on behalf of two or more further education providers, in the field of further education. All members of the consortium must be regulated or registered in, and operating from, Wales. Consortium partners must be agreed and named at the point of application and it is not permitted for the lead organisation to charge a fee to consortium partners for inclusion in the bid

For-profit organisations and sole traders are not eligible to apply or be named as consortium partners. You should refer to the Taith eligibility guidance to confirm if your organisation satisfies the eligibility requirement that it does not operate for profit.

VET

Any public or not-for-profit organisation regulated or registered in, and operating from, Wales, active in the field of vocational education & training, which offer a range of courses, leading to accredited qualifications, including:

  • national co-ordinating bodies operating within Wales and overseeing the provision of education or training in the field of vocational education and training
  • non-governmental not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations, including but not limited to registered charities and charitable incorporated associations, community interest companies and companies limited by guarantee that do not operate for a profit and are hosting, training or otherwise working with learners and apprentices in vocational education and training
  • consortium of not-for-profit organisations/providers, which comprises a single lead organisation applying on behalf of two or more vocational education and training providers, in the field of vocational education and training. All members of the consortium must be regulated or registered in, and operating from, Wales. Consortium partners must be agreed and named at the point of application, and it is not permitted for the lead organisation to charge a fee to consortium partners for inclusion in the bid

For-profit organisations and sole traders are not eligible to apply or be named as consortium partners. You should refer to the Taith eligibility guidance to confirm if your organisation satisfies the eligibility requirement that it does not operate for profit.

We’re always happy to help advise if you would be eligible for funding. If you’re not sure and you want to check your sector eligibility, please contact us at enquiries@taith.wales

4.2.2 International organisations your project can partner with:
Graphic to show two hands shaking in front of a world symbol

Your organisation can generally send participants to the following international organisations outside of the UK and the Crown Dependencies. (Where introductory group mobilities are necessary, your organisation can send participants to organisations in Wales and the rest of the UK):

  • any public or private organisation active in the field of vocational education and training recognised and regulated by competent authorities of the country within which the provider is operating and incorporated and/or domiciled
  • any public or private organisation active in the labour market or in the fields of vocational education and training

Orphanages are not eligible international partner organisations.

4.3. Eligible mobilities, participants, and the funding we can provide

If your organisation is eligible to receive funding, then it’s important that you check that the people you want to send on a mobility are also eligible.  There are different requirements for different mobilities so please check the relevant options available.  The participant eligibility details assume your organisation is eligible to receive funding within this sector. If you are unsure whether your organisation or participants are eligible, please contact us at enquiries@taith.wales.  At least 25% of learners or young people taking part in the planned project must be from underrepresented groups and you will be expected to demonstrate that you will meet this target within your application.

If learners or young people aren’t participating in the project, you will need to explain why this is not possible and how your proposed project will create immediate and lasting benefits for learners or young people, in particular those from underrepresented groups.

Grant rates and eligible cost can be found in section 5.

Please note that Taith funding is a contribution towards the costs associated with going on an international learning exchange.

4.3.1 Learner Activities

Group Mobilities

Group mobilities: Minimum 3 days – maximum 4 weeks.
UK based introductory group mobilities: Minimum 3 days – maximum 5 days.

A group mobility is an opportunity for groups of FE/VET learners to experience an international learning exchange, accompanied by staff who can support them and guide the learning experience. Staff from the organisation must accompany the learners for the entire duration of the activity. If needed, other adults may also act as accompanying persons to support the accompanying staff. Activities must have clearly defined learning outcomes. Learning can be formal, informal or non-formal, but must involve exchange and collaboration with peers from an international partner organisation, enabling learners to develop skills, competencies, intercultural awareness and understanding.

Mobilities which do not involve exchange with peers from another country/ies are not eligible for funding.

Introductory group mobility: These are short UK based introductory mobilities which are possible as part of a progression to an international mobility, where applying organisations feel that an international mobility would otherwise not be achievable. Applications for funding which include introductory group mobilities, must also include an international group mobility for the same intended participants. You should explain in the application why a UK based introductory mobility is essential to enable your learners to take part in an international mobility opportunity.

Introductory mobilities are only eligible for learner group mobilities.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Learners and accompanying persons):

Detailed information on eligible costs and grant rates can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds (you can apply for this once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (you can apply for this once your project has started)
  • organisational support grant for each outward (and inward) participant

Eligible participants

Learners:

  • FE learners engaged with learning activities and enrolled on an accredited programme at an eligible FE college.
  • VET learners engaged with learning or training activities and enrolled at a VET provider.

Accompanying persons:

Learners must be accompanied by staff employed by the FE college/VET provider – teaching or non-teaching. If needed, other adults may also act as accompanying persons to support the accompanying FE/VET staff.

Individual Mobilities

Minimum 12 days – maximum 48 weeks (travel days cannot contribute towards the minimum duration of the mobility).

An individual mobility is an opportunity for an individual participant to have an independent and bespoke learning experience through an international learning exchange. These mobilities should be centred around experiences, knowledge and skills. Learning can be formal, informal or non-formal, but must involve exchange and collaboration with learners working alongside peers from an international partner organisation to develop skills, competencies, intercultural awareness and understanding. Because they are unaccompanied on the mobility, a bespoke learning programme must be developed for each learner, obligatory pre-departure training must be provided, and continuous support arrangements made with the international partner organisation for the duration of the mobility.

Mobilities which do not involve exchange with peers from another country/ies are not eligible for funding.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Learners):

Detailed information on eligible costs and grant rates can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • organisational support grant for each outward (and inward) participant

Eligible participants

  • FE learners engaged with learning activities and enrolled on an accredited programme at an eligible FE college
  • VET learners engaged with learning or training activities and enrolled at a VET provider

Virtual Group Exchanges

A minimum of 20 hours of virtual engagement.

A virtual group exchange can be applied for when there is clear justification that travel for the intended participants is not possible or feasible.  Virtual exchanges must not be used as a substitute for those participants that require extra support and funding to participate in a physical mobility. Applying organisations must make it clear in their applications why a wholly virtual, non-physical mobility is the only option for their learners.

The virtual exchange should enable learners to experience an international exchange, communicate with and work alongside peers from an international partner organisation, and to develop skills, knowledge and understanding.

Staff from the organisation must guide the learning experience for the entire duration of the activity.

Where organisations are working with a group of learners including those both able, and unable, to travel, they can apply for both group mobilities and virtual mobilities to accommodate all group participants.

Eligible costs

Virtual exchanges development costs:
These are a contribution towards the cost of developing and delivering high-quality virtual exchanges, including a contribution to course fees where virtual exchanges are facilitated by a third-party provider. Funding of up to £1,200 is available per project, based on actual costs.

Organisational Support:
Your organisation will receive an organisational support grant for up to 20 participants per project who complete the minimum 20 hours of virtual activity.

 

Eligible participants

  • FE learners engaged with learning activities and enrolled on an accredited programme at an eligible FE college
  • VET learners engaged with learning or training activities and enrolled at a VET provider
4.3.2 Staff Activities:

All staff mobilities should create immediate and lasting benefits for learners, particularly those from underrepresented groups. You are expected to provide details on how this will be achieved under ‘Objective 1- Ensure Exchanges Provide the Greatest Impact’ of the Pathway 1 assessment criteria.

Job Shadowing and Placements

Job shadowing: A minimum of 2 days – a maximum of 8 weeks.
Placements: A minimum of 2 days – a maximum of 48 weeks.

Job shadowing will involve mobility opportunities for staff working in the field of FE / VET to undergo a job shadowing mobility which will allow them to observe best practice, participate in knowledge exchange, and support their career development.

Placements for appropriately experienced staff to spend a period of time teaching learners at a partner organisation abroad. Placements may include providing training for the development of the partner organisation.

Placements and job shadowing may be combined during a single period abroad.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Staff):

Detailed information on eligible costs and grant rates can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • organisational support grant for each outward (and inward) participant

Eligible participants

For teaching placements: Appropriately qualified/experience teaching staff or leaders holding a contract of employment with an eligible college.

For job shadowing:

  • staff involved in the delivery of further education and vocational education and training and employed by the participating eligible education
  • other members of staff employed by an eligible participating further education or vocational education and training provider

Consortium projects: Staff from all consortium partner organisations can take part in staff mobilities as long as they are involved in the direct delivery or management of FE / VET. Staff from an applying organisation who are solely responsible for organising mobilities on behalf of their consortium partners are not eligible participants.

Training Courses and Professional Development

A minimum 2 days – maximum 4 weeks (maximum 10 days course fees per participant)

Funding for participants to access a structured course or a similar kind of training provided by qualified professionals and based on a pre-defined learning programme and learning outcomes. The training must involve participants from at least two different countries and must allow participants to interact with other learners and with the trainers. Predominantly passive activities such as listening to lectures, speeches or attendance at conferences are not eligible.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Staff):

Detailed information on grant rates and eligible costs can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • contribution to course fees up to a maximum of £40 per participant per day and maximum £400 per same participant per project/Grant Agreement
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged background (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • organisational support grant for each outward (and inward) participant

Ineligible costs:

  • conference fees or travel to international conferences

Eligible participants

  • staff involved in the delivery of further education and vocational education and training and employed by the participating eligible education
  • other members of staff employed by an eligible participating further and vocational education and training provide

Consortium projects: Staff from all consortium partner organisations can take part in staff mobilities as long as they are involved in the direct delivery or management of FE / VET. Staff from an applying organisation who are solely responsible for organising mobilities on behalf of their consortium partners are not eligible participants.

Best Practice and Innovation

A minimum 2 days – maximum 8 weeks.

Funding for activities which focus on quality and innovation in FE / VET and bringing back lessons learnt and tools to the FE and VET provider(s) involved in the project and beyond.

Activities could include working with participants from partner organisations abroad to develop new approaches to FE / VET or collaboration with international partners to bring together examples of best practice from different countries.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Staff):

Detailed information on grant rates and eligible costs can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • organisational support grant for each outward (and inward) participant

Eligible participants

  • staff involved in the delivery of further education and vocational education and training and employed by the participating eligible education
  • other members of staff employed by an eligible participating further and vocational education and training provider

Consortium projects: Staff from all consortium partner organisations can take part in staff mobilities as long as they are involved in the direct delivery or management of FE / VET. Staff from an applying organisation who are solely responsible for organising mobilities on behalf of their consortium partners are not eligible participants.

Preparatory Visits

A minimum of 2 days – maximum of 7 days

Visits to new or existing international partners to support planned or ongoing Taith mobilities within the same application. Each preparatory visit must have a clear rationale and must serve to improve inclusiveness, scope and quality of mobility activities. For example, preparatory visits can be organised to help prepare for the mobility of participants with additional needs, to start working with a new partner organisation or to prepare mobilities for a longer duration. They can also be organised to provide support for learners on longer term individual mobilities. Preparatory visits can be organised in preparation for any type of learner mobility, and for staff mobilities where there is a clear rationale.  The preparatory visit must be completed before the learner or staff mobilities it is related to takes place.  The only exception would be for pastoral support visits to long term individual learner mobilities.

Taith will fund up to a maximum of three preparatory visits per application and up to a maximum of two participants per visit. In exceptional circumstances, applying organisations may request more than two participants per visit where clear rationale and justification is provided.

The activity that the preparatory visit(s) is intended to support must also be included within the application.

Eligible costs

Funding available from Pathway 1 (Staff):

Detailed information on grant rates and eligible costs can be found in section 5.

  • a subsistence grant (for accommodation, food and any other costs when you are at your international destination)
  • a travel grant
  • 100% of actual costs for additional travel related costs for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds (this can be applied for once your project has started)
  • 100% of actual identified inclusion costs for Disabled people and people with additional learning needs (this can be applied for once your project has started)

This activity will not generate organisational support payments.

Eligible participants

  • staff involved in the delivery of further education and vocational education and training and employed by the participating eligible education
  • other members of staff employed by an eligible participating further and vocational education and training provider

4.4. Inward Mobility

You may apply for an additional 30% of the funding requested for outward mobility activities to bring people into Wales. Information on international partner organisations can be found in section 4.2.2.

Eligible participants:

Learners:

  • learners enrolled/registered with an eligible organisation and pursuing a course in the field of FE or VET

Staff:

  • staff working in the field of FE or VET, holding a contract of employment with an eligible sending organisation
  • staff must be a minimum of 18 years old
  • appropriately experienced staff working in the field of further or vocational education and holding a relevant qualification where appropriate

Eligible mobilities:

All mobilities defined as eligible outward mobilities are also eligible for inward mobility. All restrictions and requirements are the same for inward mobilities as for outward mobilities.

Eligible costs and payments:

Inward mobility participants are eligible to receive grant funding for travel and subsistence for their mobility to Wales. The applying organisation in Wales, as the Taith Grant Recipient, will receive an organisational support grant for every inward participant to Wales. Funding for inward mobility activities will be paid to the Welsh applying organisation to distribute to the international partner organisation.

The applying organisation in Wales, as the Taith Grant Recipient and host of the inward participants, will be expected to clearly communicate the terms of any contributions to be made and to specify the amount of financial support allocated to the inward participant(s).

Inward mobility participants will receive Group 1 subsistence rates, and a travel grant at the same level as the rates for the equivalent outward mobility. Payments to an inward participant may not exceed the equivalent grant rate of an outward participant from Wales to a Group 1 country for the same duration and type of mobility activity.