I fell in love with travel. I knew I was never going to do anything else and then finished my degree.
What were you looking for in an apprentice?
Claire Brighton director, Atas
How did you get into the travel industry? I went through clearing for university and studied tourism and marketing at the University of West London. Then I took a year out working at Trailfinders, where
I can teach someone how to do the job, but I can’t teach them to be passionate or have that natural enthusiasm when they’re out and about meeting people. At our Atas events, you’re often in front of 50 travel agents, so I had to be confident that the apprentice I hired would fit in with that crowd.
Has having an apprentice helped the Atas business? Having Evie is great – she’s brilliant at social media and has learnt how to host her own table at professional dinners. We hosted a meet-the-media event to introduce our members to adventure travel writers. I had injured my leg that day
so had to stay seated, but she talked to all the journalists and helped keep the event running smoothly.
What have you learnt from mentoring Evie? I’ve learnt more about the youth travel market, which is something Atas is trying to expand into. And I’ve learnt more social media skills as well – she has attempted to teach me how to use TikTok! I’ve also learnt how to manage someone from a younger generation. The styles are different; you have to make sure that you’re
offering your mentee support, as well as getting what you need.
Why are apprenticeships an important way in to travel? I’ve always been passionate about bringing the next generation into our industry. I went into this apprenticeship with my eyes open; you can’t just take someone on and not help them develop, so it was important to make it an opportunity that would set someone up for the future. It’s a fantastic route into the industry – I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone.
PICTURES: Sarah Lucy Brown; Steve Dunlop
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