Harlow College has hosted an innovative 10-day exchange programme for Chinese teachers of Vocational Education.

This new initiative is supported by the Epping Forest Education Consortium and develops links that Essex County Council already has with the Jiangsu Province in China.

The programme was attended by 11 educators from the province and involved raising awareness of the UK College curriculum, practical insights into vocational learning and teaching, apprenticeships and visits to local employers and Anglia Ruskin University.

Principal of Harlow College, Karen Spencer, said: "We are very excited to be working with the Epping Forest Education Consortium to build on the well-established links that Essex has with China. As we work in a global economy we can see a real benefit for both our staff and students to be working with the Chinese to share approaches and develop our thinking around vocational education. We look forward to further groups returning to Harlow College in the near future."

Alison Armitage said: "The delegates could not believe how committed and hard working the staff were towards the students. What came through loud and clear through loud and clear throughout their visit was the passion to ensure that each student was able to achieve their very best in whatever field they were pursuing."