FRONTLINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ABTA INTERNSHIP
Josh Evans with fellow shortlisted applicants Emily Wilson, Jai Sessions and Kelsey Ng. Inset: Kwally Nugent
Abta has selected its first summer intern since 2019, following a hiatus caused by the pandemic. Andrew McQuarrie reports
A
bta has chosen its first summer intern since 2019, with a student studying international
tourism management set to join the association in July. Josh Evans, from the University of Lincoln, emerged as the top candidate from a shortlist of five at the selection day last month. Abta has offered paid summer internships since 2015, but the programme returned this year after it was paused during the pandemic.
ATTRACTING TALENT Vicki Wolf, head of education and career development at Abta, said: “I’d like to encourage all Abta members and the wider industry to consider offering internships if they can, even if it’s for a short period. “They’re a great way to attract new talent and fresh ideas, while showcasing the wide variety of career opportunities on offer.” Abta invites students from its 12
university partners to put themselves forward for the one-month internship, which received a record 22 applications this year. This will be the sixth time the programme has run. The aim is to give students a taste
of the travel industry and show how rewarding a job in the sector can be. Students are also helped to develop
22 11 APRIL 2024
STEPPING INTO THE SECTOR
Josh Evans has described his internship as the “perfect opportunity” to build his knowledge of the travel industry. The University of Lincoln
student, who is studying international tourism management, was nominated for Pearson’s UK Travel and Tourism Student of the Year award in 2022. His previous work experience
includes a role as a marketing intern at Teesside International airport and as a copywriter for educational website Tourism Teacher. He said: “The Abta internship
is a chance to immerse myself further in the dynamic, ever- evolving tourism industry. Working with such a key organisation is a perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge.” Josh would like
to pursue a career in the aviation industry after graduation.
the skills and knowledge required for a successful start to their careers. During the selection day, the five candidates heard from various teams about their roles at Abta and presentations were given by representatives from the membership, legal and public affairs departments.
DIFFICULT CHOICE Wolf described all shortlisted candidates as “incredibly impressive”, which made it a “difficult task” choosing just one. She added: “I’m delighted Josh will be joining as he clearly demonstrated his variety of skills and wealth of experience to date. His passion for pursuing a career in the industry stood out.” Josh will be supporting the communications team throughout his internship. The five candidates at the selection day were: Kwally Nugent from the University of Strathclyde; Emily Wilson from the University of Strathclyde; Kelsey Ng from the University of Surrey; Jai Sessions from the University of Surrey; and Josh from the University of Lincoln. Abta also runs a student reps
Josh Evans
programme, which connects students with an Abta member or partner. The reps act as a key point of contact between their education provider and the travel industry.
travelweekly.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
