Cadogan to shake up agent training scheme

Cadogan to shake up agent training scheme

CADOGAN Holidays is to overhaul its agent training programme amid fears the existing format is a waste of time and money.

The operator is setting up a training academy which it hopes will rejuvenate the current structure of educationals and roadshows. It will be headed by Albert Lawrence, ARTAC Worldchoice founder and managing director of Deeping Travel.

Lawrence, who was training director at Worldchoice for five years, said it is looking to introduce a classroom element to educationals, which he claimed have become more of a holiday than a learning experience.

“We want agents to learn about the destination prior to their trip and are hoping to work with tourist boards to develop these modules,” said Lawrence. “We also want to introduce a method of assessment and monitoring so we can see whether the training results in increased bookings.”

Cadogan managing director Gary David said training across the industry has become jaded.

“We want to offer something new that will motivate them,” he said. “The level of training you offer has a direct result on bookings.”

He said Lawrence’s extensive background in retail will be crucial in developing the academy. “Many people do not realise that unless the training you offer meets the requirements of the recipient, it is ineffective.”

Back to basics: Lawrence believes educationals have become more of a holiday than a learning experience