The programme has been developed to share good practice, knowledge of the industry and expand inter-continental relationships. The first exchange student, trainee cooling engineer, Lionel Limbarde, recently arrived in the country to spend four months working within the team.

Clive Houlston, managing director of Aire Serv franchise, said: "Since launching in Europe late last year, we have been eager to work with our foreign counterparts. By creating and implementing a scheme like this we can not only educate each other, we can open up the lines of communication helping to maintain the highest possible level of quality in heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation across Europe."

Limbardet will be working with the Air Serv for four months spending time in the company's home office in Bromsgrove, where he will learn about marketing, the various regulations that govern the industry and sales. He will also work with local franchises, where he will be able to see all he has learnt first hand.

During his time with the company, Limbardet will be tasked with achieving a list of objectives to further his development before heading back to France.

Houlston adds: "Lionel was nominated by his school to come to the UK as he has continually proved himself to be an outstanding student with an eagerness to learn about all the aspects of the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry."