Fancy a nice relaxing get-away? Or perhaps a resort with plenty of life for you and your mates to party- well sadly a career in travel and tourism can’t guarantee you that, but whether you get to see different parts of the world or sell the destination of a customers dream to them – the travel industry is one that’s going places!
What’s it about?
The travel and tourism industry boasts more than 100,000 people working in this services sector in the UK- travel is big business. To support this industry, employees like travel agents and tour operators are needed to deliver customer service, communicate effectively with clients and suppliers, sort out queries, and promote products.
Of course included in this sector, is the opportunity to see parts of the world as a cabin crew apprentice- but you shouldn’t expect an easy passage. And apprenticeships are also available in aviation operations on the ground if you rather not fight with gravity!
There’s a lot to learn for apprentices in travel and tourism- you could be working as a leisure or business travel consultant, maybe in a high street travel agency or a contact centre. Using computer systems, you could be helping customers make travel plans by checking availability and costs, making bookings and processing payments.
Who’s it for?
An interest in tourism is a must, and apprentices’ should have a good knowledge of travel geography, travel insurance and other travel services. It may also be an advantage if you’ve been lucky enough to travel yourself- as first hand experience is always best when giving out advice to customers.
You need to be good at dealing with customers and you must be able to communicate well and politely as you will be liaising with people from around the world. Working well within a team always helps along with understanding and respecting hygiene and health and safety issues.
What do I get out of it?
There’s a lot to learn – apprentices starting in travel and tourism will take a certificate covering worldwide travel and tourism destinations and may learn about ticketing and airfares, as well as a range of travel products like insurance and holiday packages. This industry knowledge is essential to properly advise customers on their travel plans.
Cabin crew apprentices’- you’ll learn how to prepare the inside of the aircraft for a flight by checking supplies and making sure the right safety equipment is in place. You’ll greet customers onboard, help passengers find their seat and run through safety procedures. You might also learn about specific things like immigration regulations, cultural awareness and how to complete flight reports and other paperwork.
The basic level framework apprenticeships in travel and tourism have to follow is; NVQ’s, Key Skills, completion of Technical Certificate(s) and Employment rights and Responsibilities. While In Scotland you must complete a S/NVQ and Core Skills.
Jobs as flight attendants, airline customer service agents, travel agents and sales representatives are all available after qualification, with salary’s starting at £12k.
So if travel is your thing, apply for an apprenticeship today and you could be jet-setting to a successful career in an industry which is really taking off!
