The apprenticeship route


Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way to enter the travel industry, as employers offer an ever-wider


range of opportunities. ABTA works with members


on the travel consultant apprenticeship (Level 3), which has been operating for two years, offering pathways into leisure and business travel retailing. Vicki Wolf, ABTA’s education manager, says apprenticeship numbers are increasing, adding: “More candidates are going for apprenticeships rather than A-levels and university.” If candidates cannot find


a travel apprenticeship close to home, they could instead become an apprentice locally in a non-travel role that would appeal to travel employers, such as business, administration or customer service. Travel employers also offer


apprenticeships in disciplines such as IT, finance, HR and marketing, so young people can learn with well-known brands such as Virgin Holidays, Jet2, Tui or British Airways.


BA’s opportunities


range from Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2) in customer service, to Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) – equivalent to a foundation degree – in project management and business administration. Tui started its management


degree apprenticeship in September 2018 in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire. Several training providers


and colleges offer the travel consultant apprenticeship, including the College of


Haringey, Enfield and North East London, Damar Training and TrainingStation. Lisa Whiteoak,


TrainingStation director, says her company works with independent agencies such as Hays Travel, Althams Travel and Cumbria Travel, as well as The Advantage Travel Partnership. Apprentices learn on the


job, earning the minimum wage of £3.90 an hour, and spend 20% of their time training. Whiteoak says about 95% of apprentices stay with their


employers afterwards and may eventually move into management. “Employers tend to want


younger apprentices as they can mould them from a young age,” she adds. “You can earn while you learn – you’re not getting into debt.” Julia Assock, dnata’s head


of people development, says apprenticeships attract new talent and develop existing staff in a range of disciplines. “We are building some


great relationships with colleges in each of our locations,” she says.


Reasons to consider the apprenticeship route


X You will gain skills, knowledge and experience while working and earning – so your career starts without student debt.


X Apprenticeships suit school-leavers or employees seeking further training or a career change.


X After your apprenticeship, many employers will offer you a permanent post. Others may work towards a higher-level apprenticeship or further training, while some will find jobs with other organisations, thanks to their relevant experience.


X An apprenticeship is different from school and college as you’ll work full-time, with 20% of your working week spent learning. It can sometimes be a challenge to juggle both, but you will have support throughout the process.


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PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK


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