velopment and staff retention took place at the offices of Hill Dickinson in London. The e Off in Travel, published in association with Abta and dnata Travel. Robin Searle reports
Scheme ‘can benefit existing staff’
New apprenticeship standards and funding will allow travel companies to improve skills for staff at all levels and should also help firms retain talent, the Business Breakfast was told.
Although some incentives
remain in place to bring through young apprentices, there are no longer restrictions on the age of those taking apprenticeships, meaning they can be a useful tool to continue training for middle management. Jeannette Linfoot, managing
director of Saga’s tour operations, said 150 middle managers had recently applied for just 50 Level 5 apprenticeship places. “The levy has led us to rethink our approach, and has also allowed us to think not only about finding new talent but also upskilling our existing team,” she said. “We are paying half a million quid through the levy, so it is not an insignificant amount, and we need to think strategically about how we use that money to improve our business.” Vicki Wolf, Abta education partnerships manager, added:
TRAVEL WEEKLY BUSINESS BREAKFAST PANELLISTS: From left: Vicki Wolf, Abta; Andy Smyth, Tui; Jeannette Linfoot, Saga; Steve Barrass, dnata Travel; and moderator Lee Hayhurst, Travel Weekly
“Higher-level apprenticeships can be used as a retention tool. If you are at risk of losing someone then you may be able to retain them with training and career progression.” Andy Smyth, early talent and apprenticeships manager for
“The levy has led us to think not only about finding new talent but also upskilling our existing team”
‘Travel promotes long-term career prospects’
The travel industry is improving its reputation for offering long- term careers, but there is still work to be done to change perceptions. Saga’s Jeannette Linfoot said:
“We are doing a lot of activity to promote the sector. “It may have previously been
viewed as a non-serious business, but you won’t find a harder-nosed trading environment, so that perception is changing.” Saga is one of 23 companies
supporting the 2018 edition of Travel Weekly’s prospectus-style
LINFOOT: ‘You won’t find a harder- nosed trading environment’
Take Off in Travel magazine, which is now in its sixth year and has been produced in association with Abta and headline sponsor dnata Travel. Dnata’s Steve Barrass told the Business Breakfast: “We need to shout about the opportunities a career in travel offers, particularly to travel and work overseas.” He added: “Bringing youth and talent into the industry is something we are very passionate
about, and our partnership with Take Off in Travel is one way we demonstrate that.”
16 November 2017
travelweekly.co.uk 71
Tui UK & Ireland, said: “Getting rid of the age thresholds should allow companies to facilitate progression. We see ongoing training as a way for people to move up the ladder, and as one role is vacated then someone else steps up to fill it, so the benefits cascade.”
Take Off in Travel 2018
You can download a digital version of this year’s Take Off in Travel magazine at:
takeoffintravel.co.uk
TAKE OFF IN TRAVEL
YOUR GUIDE TO CAREERS IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
2018
Your guide to careers in the travel industry
IN TRAVEL 2018
2018 IN TRAVEL Your guide to careers in the travel industry
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