APPRENTICESHIPS As the industry marks National Apprenticeship Week, T VIEWS ON


APPRENTICESHIPS The apprentice


Grace Bunn, travel consultant apprentice, Holiday Lounge “I’m really enjoying


my apprenticeship. The people I work with and customers make my time here really good and keep a smile on my face.”


The employer


Iain Kirkbright, co-owner, Sunlounger Travel “Apprentices come


without pre-conceived ideas and can be trained and developed to how we run the business. We also find they become an integral part of the business quite quickly and bring fresh ideas of benefit to all.”


The former apprentice


Harriet Thompson, head of Hays Travel Independence Group “Learning on the job


helped me to develop in a way I don’t think I would have so successfully if I’d stayed in education. Beginning as an apprentice made me more confident and capable.”


The trainer


Michelle Van Sprang, managing director, AS Training “National


Apprenticeship Week is a valuable opportunity to reflect on how far the travel industry has come in embracing apprenticeships. However, there is still more that could be done.”


the Trade association


Vicki Wolf, head of education and career development, Abta “Taking on an


apprentice is a fantastic way to introduce new talent into your business with the added benefit of being able to access government funding. There are also excellent training providers who can help you and support the apprentice.”


ravel Weekly speaks to employers and current


Apprentices hailed for ‘fresh thinking’ input


T


ravel firms have hailed apprentices for bringing fresh thinking to the workplace while helping to solve the skills shortage and providing a


pipeline of potential future leaders. Businesses said investment in apprentices


was “worth its weight in gold”. Gold Medal Travel Group


has six apprentices set to graduate this summer with a Level 3 travel consultant qualification. Trading director Simon


Owen said: “We believe they bring something special to the business through their enthusiasm and the questions they ask, which make us as long- serving industry personnel think differently. Travel needs fresh thinking – and apprentices give us exactly that.” He described apprenticeships as the


“solution” to recruitment challenges. Fred Olsen Travel learning and development


business partner Sharne Algar, who welcomed apprentices’ energy and “new perspectives”, said: “They help us build future leaders from within and strengthen our workforce at a time when skilled travel professionals are in high demand.” Panache Cruises director James Cole


urged businesses to consider the long-term benefits, while stressing the importance of


building ties with schools and colleges. “We’re not looking for a day-one return. You have to over-invest at the start. Apprentices need to be trained and understand what it’s like to work,” stressed Cole, whose son Charlie works in Panache’s partnership team, after passing his Level 3 apprenticeship at the company. “We’ve some good stories of apprentices who have learnt about the luxury cruise environment and gone on to bigger and better things within the business.” Shevaun Joy, director of


Sharne Algar


Destination, said the agency had gained “brilliant staff” from apprentices. She admitted there were time-related challenges for completing coursework, but added: “We


try to make sure they have the opportunity to come off the counter to achieve this.” Iain Kirkbright, co-owner of Sunlounger


Travel, which has four apprentices, said agencies could not expect new starters to sell holidays immediately but cited the rewards after agents had progressed for making it all worthwhile. Barbara Kolosinska, managing director


of C&M Travel Recruitment, said: “The apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way to attract talent. Unfortunately, not all companies can incorporate them into their models.”


‘I’ve gained so much insight A Max Healy 10 12 FEBRUARY 2026


pprentices say being able to work and learn has helped them progress quickly into fufilling careers, while


opening up unexpected opportunities. Billy Devine, a Level 3 travel


consultant apprentice at Travel Chaps, has taken bookings and attended trade events, fam trips, webinars and supplier visits since starting five months ago. Devine, who was selected from more


than 60 applicants, said: “Working for an independent agency alongside such a knowledgeable, experienced team is a privilege. I’ve gained so much insight from my colleagues’ years of expertise.” Max Healy pursued an


apprenticeship to work in travel despite having a degree in psychology. “It’s difficult to find a job without


experience,” he said. “I realised an apprenticeship was my best route in. I


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