The future looks brighter for a group of travel and
tourism students looking for their first big break in the industry
after Travel Weekly persuaded several companies to give them work
experience.
Travel Weekly stepped in when 17-year-olds Amy Parry, Leanne
Jarvis, Hannah Tiley and Elizabeth Morton – all BTEC travel
operations students at Thanet College in Kent – complained
they have little hope of getting a job when they leave college this
summer because they have been unable to get work experience.
The girls’ plight was highlighted last week at the Aspire
conference when Parry stood up in front of 400 delegates and asked
for help in getting into the industry.
She said: “I’ve tried everyone but I can’t get
anywhere. I’ve sent out dozens of CVs and I’m starting
to panic as my course finishes in May. I’ve asked my
lecturers for help and they just tell me to keep trying. I’ve
got no hope of getting a job at the moment because I haven’t
had enough work experience.”
After her plight was revealed, Travel Weekly roped in industry
bosses to help out.
As a result, Bales Worldwide has offered Parry two months’
paid work experience this summer, while Thomas Cook has offered
work placements at two of its Kent branches.
Excel Airways said all four girls can spend two days with the
airline and subsidiary companies Freedom Flights and tour operation
Aspire. Carlson Wagonlit Travel and VLM Airlines have also offered
to help.
– Travel Weekly will follow Parry and the rest of the girls on
their work experience ventures.