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Academic opportunities M


any of those keen to find work within travel and


tourism choose to dive straight into the sector when they finish school, but a growing number are learning more about the industry beforehand with the help of qualifications. Part of the reason is the sheer variety. The fact that it’s now possible


to study travel and tourism at GCSE level allows students to understand how formal qualifications can lead to a wide range of roles. There’s a huge selection of qualifica- tions, ranging from GCSEs, A levels and BTECs to NVQs, apprenticeships and degrees. There are also several specialist


options, such as BTEC specialist qualifications, which focus on everything from cabin crew training to cultural awareness in tourism. Our top tip for students? Consider the desired career path early on. “Qualifications in subjects such as geography and languages are all useful, whether the student is going straight into work or planning on a university course,” says a spokesperson at the OCR examination board. For students keen to gain both a qualification and experience, a BTEC could be ideal. “I think BTECs are great,” says Ross Martin, course leader


at Ashfield Comprehensive School. “They allow for research and study but also benefit from industry links, such as trips and visits from guest speakers.” However, it’s worth noting that the BTEC is due to experience a minor makeover. “The big change we’ll see with regards to travel and tourism BTECs is the introduction of an external assessment to the new BTEC Level 3,” explains Martin O’Donovan at Pearson, one of the UK’s largest examination boards. Other qualifications will be tweaked too. “Pearson has worked with


employers and sector experts to ensure qualifications are


relevant to learners, and growth areas include leisure travel and sustainable tourism. The new qualifications will be ready for delivery in September 2018.”


One of the other biggest


changes will apply to apprenticeships. “The current travel services SASE Apprenticeships will be replaced by the new Travel Consultant Standards,” adds O’Donovan. “The new standards feature End Point Assessment, which is graded. Learners will have to take tests and take part in professional discussions in order to pass.” l Apprenticeships, page 34


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