Brisbane-based Hospitality Training Association Inc (HTA) is sending some of its top students overseas, and will also be training students from Holland, Finland and Italy as part of an Australian Government training initiative.

The EU/Australia Cooperation in Higher Education and Training Initiative helps institutions like HTA to undertake student mobility projects between the European Union and Australia.

The HTA was one of three education providers selected to take part in the creative industries and hospitality section of the program, which aims to develop mutual recognition of skills in the creative industries and hospitality sectors at an international level.

As part of the program, 21 HTA students are spending 16 weeks at sister colleges in Italy, Holland and Finland completing a mixture of study and work experience, while 21 European students will study at HTA.

"This initiative recognises that our students are able to take the skills they have learnt here in Brisbane to anywhere in the world," said HTA CEO Phillip Charlton.

"During their time overseas, students will spend eight weeks studying local food, drink, cooking styles and culture.   They will then spend another eight weeks working in a local hospitality establishment which will provide invaluable hands-on training."

Charlton added that now more than ever the tourism and hospitality industry needs skilled workers who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and once HTA students return to Australia, they will have a "leading edge" when entering the industry.

"In return, by welcoming students from Holland, Finland and Italy we can also showcase our training facilities, experienced trainers and our dynamic tourism and hospitality industry."

The HTA students in Europe include 2010 scholarship recipients who have completed their Diploma of Hospitality Management and trade apprenticeship students.