FRONTLINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIPS
Michelle Van Sprang (third from right) with a group of apprentices at Panache Cruises
This week’s National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to showcase travel as a career, AS Training’s Michelle Van Sprang tells Juliet Dennis
National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to inspire newcomers to join the sector and motivate firms about the benefits of taking on apprentices to create a talent pipeline. That’s the message from Michelle
Van Sprang, director of AS Training, a leading travel training firm, on the government-funded awareness week running from February 5-11. “The message is to try to attract new people into the travel industry,” she says. “Apprenticeships give them an easy and robust way into the sector and to learn new skills. It is accessible to all and a chance to earn while you learn.”
ACTIVE WEEK AS Training is marking this week with visits to colleges and to its apprentices in agency branches nationwide. It is also hosting training webinars with suppliers, and running giveaways, including fam trip places to those studying to become qualified travel consultants. During the week, AS Training will give out two fam trip places to apprentices to attend the first Atas Experiences event, in Lake Como, Italy, and two places on fam trips with Palladium Hotels & Resorts.
24 8 FEBRUARY 2024 Van Sprang is already confident
travel employers are starting to see the benefits of taking on apprentices to build up their workforces and as a way of upskilling existing employees of all ages. “Most people are open to it now; they need new staff and are seeing the success stories,” she says.
WORK PLACEMENT The Travel Consultant Level 3 qualification is equivalent to two A-levels and takes just over 12 months to complete while working at an agency. Although employers must have the time to nurture and monitor apprentices and pay them a salary, the course is 95%-100% funded by the government. The qualification is an alternative
to a two-year travel and tourism diploma course and one that provides a job at the end of it, subject to the employer taking on the apprentice full-time, says Van Sprang. “Not everyone is ready for the employment world straight from school, it’s a big step,” she adds. “But by the end of the
apprenticeship they have shadowed peers, built up relationships and made some bookings. After 12 months, some are top-sellers.”
THE APPRENTICE EXPERIENCE
“I chose to do a travel consultant apprenticeship because it was an amazing
opportunity to learn new things about destinations and airlines. So far, I am really enjoying it; I’m in a well-supported environment. I particularly like serving clients in store, which has helped my confidence.” Sky Needham, apprentice, Travel the Globe, Cumbria
“I’ve always loved the idea of working in travel but wasn’t sure how I could get
into the industry, so completing a travel apprenticeship seemed perfect. I enjoy learning about different areas of travel from the webinars and online learning, and the freedom you get to grow as a colleague as well as a student.” Millie Howard, apprentice, Pure Travel, Halifax
travelweekly.co.uk
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