THE Government has given the green light for a new
scheme which aims to better train and retain staff in the travel industry.
Called People 1st, it aims to make industry training
more relevant to employers’ requirements and give staff recognised qualifications
which will give them better career opportunities.
People 1st, together with ABTA, the Institute of
Travel and Tourism, agencies and operators, is currently working on a senior
level qualification for agents who have already completed initial training and
have a couple of years’ experience.
It will be formally launched later this year.
ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds said: “At the moment
people get their National Vocational Qualification and then get product
training and the odd educational. What we’re talking about here is a
comprehensive scheme.”
People 1st, the working name for the industry sector
skills council, will consist of a board, including trade representatives, which
will lobby training organisations to ensure they are providing the right courses
and support the industry to make sure Government funding is used in the right
way.
Speaking at the launch, tourism minister
Richard Caborn said: “It is one of the building blocks we are putting in place
to address one of the structural weaknesses in tourism.”