Plymouth Chamber of Commerce chief executive David Parlby outlined the scheme, when he addressed more than 40 business leaders at the “what is your chamber doing for you and your city?” briefing.

Mr Parlby also spoke about the City Deal and its aim to create more than 10,000 jobs, and the GAIN Growth Hub’s role in supporting businesses.

The Tellus Group, which brings international language students to Plymouth, hosted the meeting at its Mutley Plain offices, and highlighted its contribution to the Plymouth economy.

The global education provider attracts more than 5,000 students to its Plymouth and Portsmouth schools every year.

Steve Kerswell, business development manager at Tellus Group, said: “Tellus Group is supporting businesses, and giving trainees valuable English language and work skills to take back to their countries.”

Jolanta Furmanik, English teacher and co-ordinator of the Polish project New Horizons, EU funded to increase student opportunities in the European jobs market, also gave a presentation.

She said: “This is our second project with Tellus Group. We are bringing two groups of 36 students to Plymouth to learn English and gain work experience.”

The event also heard from 19-year-old Polish student Anna Szule, and from Henry Hutchins, director at Clever Student Lets.