ABTA: Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week in the travel sector

Friday, February 9, 2024

This week marks the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting an essential strategy for nurturing and employing talent within the industry.

Apprenticeships offer a dynamic method for drawing fresh talent into the travel sector, allowing newcomers to gain a paycheck while working towards a recognized qualification. Moreover, these programs are not exclusively for newcomers; they also serve as a platform for current employees at various career stages to acquire new competencies.

Moreover, apprenticeships have been shown to significantly boost company profitability, with Government studies indicating that 78% of employers report an increase in productivity as a result of apprenticeship programs.

Our efforts to promote this week through our social media presence have included uplifting stories from our members who share a deep appreciation for employees who began as apprentices and, in many instances, have remained with the company for years.

The theme of apprenticeships was also a key focus at our Developing and Retaining Talent event earlier in the week, where speakers discussed the broad spectrum of apprenticeship opportunities available for newcomers as well as strategies for talent development and retention within their organizations.

Beyond our apprenticeship initiatives, we have collaborated with colleagues across the industry to create travel-related qualifications for students pre-university. It’s crucial that this educational level equips students with industry-endorsed, up-to-date, and relevant knowledge. Industry involvement in course development ensures that the curriculum meets employer needs, also paving the way for students interested in pursuing travel apprenticeships.

Ensuring the availability of appropriate courses for students not only supports individuals aiming to advance their careers in travel but also supplies our members with a committed, passionate, and informed workforce, especially crucial during periods when hiring and keeping staff is a top concern.

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