ITALIAN visitors, who have travelled hundreds of miles to find out more about education in the Black Country, took time out of their busy week to visit Dudley.

A group of 15 professionals from Crocetti Cerruli Secondary School in Abruzzo, are taking part in a weeklong study tour, organised by Stourbridge based firm, Edulink Europe.

The company, which provides training opportunities for adults and young people, arranged the trip in partnership with the international departments at Dudley College, University of Wolverhampton and various other vocational education training organisations.

The pit stop in Dudley, brought about by the leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, included a civic reception in the Mayor’s parlour at Dudley Council House yesterday (Tuesday).

Councillor Harley and the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, welcomed the visitors and introduced them to the council staff, who discussed the successes and challenges facing education bosses in Dudley.

The group also visited Hillcrest School in Netherton and Dudley College, where they enjoyed a tour and a performance by Dudley Performing Arts.

Throughout the week the group will also take part in training and job observations at job centres, colleges, schools and universities.

They are expected to use the information to improve their school’s curriculum, and pupil employability prospects.

Cllr Harley said: “In education we are ambitious and strive to provide the best possible learning opportunities for children and young people. It’s been great to shout about the things we are doing well and discuss how we are making improvements, which I hope has proved useful to our visitors.

“We are excited about the possibilities this visit proposes and hope it leads to an increase in international study and work placements in the borough, which has fantastic potential to boost our skills and workforce.”

Alan Wood, director at Edulink Europe CIC, added: “Through our study tours and work placements we are able to demonstrate how Dudley and the Black Country excel in education, industry and commerce.

"We remain dedicated to promoting the region as a fantastic place to learn and work in a bid to attract the highest calibre of international talent to begin a career here.

“In addition, as a community interest company, we have secured European funding, which enables local students to experience international work placement opportunities.”