Travel Apprenticeships offer adventurous opportunities to school leavers, with diverse opportunities which could even offer the chance to work abroad.

Who doesn’t love a good break away now and again? Everyone does and that’s why the travel industry covers such a broad range of roles from cabin crew to air traffic control and travel agents. Where could a travel Apprenticeship take you?

What do travel Apprenticeships involve?

Travel Apprenticeships involve a combination of earning and learning. You’ll gain industry specific skills and experience as well as acquiring a professional qualification.

‘Did you know that 3.2 million people from overseas visited the UK in October 2017 and 6.3 million UK residents went abroad in October 2017.’ Find more travel industry statistics.

With so many people going on holidays there are endless opportunities in the travel industry both abroad and in the UK. Let’s take a look at a handful of opportunities available to you:

Cabin Crew – Do you want to jet around the world providing excellent service to customers on board? Cabin crew ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, ensure all safety equipment is working before take off and offer food, drink and any products the airline sells. They also keep passengers up to date with any delays and estimated arrival times striving to make it the best flying experience.

Travel Agents – Travel agents help customers to book the perfect holiday for them. They work towards the customers’ budgets and take into account the customers requirements and advise on hotels that would suit their needs. For example, if a family with young children are looking for a holiday you wouldn’t suggest an adults only hotel. Perhaps they want early or late flights or want to be near the beach. You’ll find the dream holiday for them!

Travel Reps – Travel reps look after customers when abroad on a package holiday. You will ensure they are having a good time and deal with any queries or problems as well as providing information on trips they could book via you.

Aviation Operations (on the ground) – If you’ve ever been in an airport you’ll know just how busy they are with hundreds of departures every day and that’s just from one airport. Without staff to keep things moving the travel industry would come to a halt. An Apprenticeship based in an airport could see you checking passengers in, baggage handling, boarding tickets, loading baggage and freight and checking airfield safety, arrival and departure.

Air Traffic Controller – Are you looking for a challenge? An air traffic controller will face just that. You’ll need extremely high levels of concentration as you’ll be responsible for the safe landing and departure of flights and handling unexpected events.

Skills needed for Travel Apprenticeships

The skills you’ll obtain will depend on which area of the travel industry you decide to work within. If you’re going to be working with passengers then you’ll need to be approachable with excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

Looking for an Apprenticeship behind the scenes such as a traffic controller? You’ll need to be an extremely focused person with excellent communication and organisational skills, you’ll need the ability to make decisions and solve problems.

Companies you can work for in the travel industry

You could work for a wide range of companies in the travel industry including major airlines such as British Airways, TUI, Thomas Cook, Hays Travel, EasyJet, Virgin, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and many more.

Apprenticeship Frameworks

Apprenticeship frameworks currently include travel services at level 2 and level 3.

Apprenticeships are currently changing. Frameworks are being replaced by standards. It is expected that by 2020 the transition will then be complete. Frameworks don’t always work and that’s why standards are being introduced.

Apprenticeship Standards

Here is a list of Apprenticeship standards that have currently been approved for delivery in the travel industry:

• Aviation Operations Manager – Level 4
• Aviation Ground Operative – Level 2
• Aviation Ground Specialists – Level 3
• Passenger Transport Onboard and Station Team Member – Level 2
• Travel Consultant – Level 3
• Airside Operator – Level 2

The following travel Apprenticeship standards are currently undergoing developments and have not yet been approved for delivery:

• Cabin Crew – Level 3
• Commercial Airline Pilot – Level 6
• Marine Pilot – Level 5
• Air Traffic Controller – Level 5

Applying for travel Apprenticeships

If you’re looking for a career that keeps everyone moving 24/7, 365 days a year then a travel Apprenticeship could be perfect for you. Does the idea of working amongst the buzz of an airport excite you? Do you want to help people find their dream holiday or maybe you want to be amongst the action ensuring arrivals and departures are carried out safely? Apply for travel Apprenticeships at Careermap. Can’t find any? Simply register your CV online so top employers can find you!

References

Office for National Statistics

Apprenticeship Frameworks Online

Institute for Apprenticeships