Travel companies across the UK are currently recruiting and training the first intake of apprentices who will follow new industry “standards” designed to reflect the modern industry.
And we are looking for three of these apprentices to take part in a series of Travel Weekly features following their progress at the start of their careers in travel.
Run in association with headline sponsor Virgin Holidays, our 2017 Apprenticeships in Focus series has featured advice for companies taking on apprentices and those paying the apprenticeship levy introduced in April. It also included a special Travel Weekly Business Breakfast, where industry leaders discussed the changes and how they would be implemented.
Starting in September, we will find out more about how apprenticeships work by hearing from those at the frontline, and today we launch a competition to find our three Apprentice Rising Stars.
In addition to appearing in Travel Weekly over the course of their apprenticeships, our winners will also receive:
- Two economy-class flights on Virgin Atlantic, courtesy of Virgin Holidays (terms and conditions apply).
- A pair of tickets to Travel Weekly’s premier agent events over the next 12 months, including the Travel Weekly Northern Ball in Manchester, the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in London and the inaugural Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers Conference in Birmingham.
- Regular mentoring and advice from industry leaders and business experts.
David Geer, Virgin Holidays interim managing director, said: “We are delighted to support Travel Weekly’s series focusing on apprenticeships, and I look forward to meeting the three Apprentice Rising Stars who we’ll be following as they embark on what we hope will be long and successful careers in the travel industry.”
How to enter
We are looking for three apprentices from within the industry, who will feature in Travel Weekly in the coming months.
To be eligible, you must be an apprentice in a travel company following one of the new standards, and will have started your apprenticeship within 2017 and by July 27.
Entrants can either put themselves forward to take part, or be nominated by their company. Due to the nature of the prizes, there is a minimum age limit of 18 for entrants. There is no upper age limit.
To enter or put forward a new apprentice to become an Apprentice Rising Star, simply email apprentice@travelweekly.co.uk explaining why you or your nominee have chosen to become an apprentice, and why you would like to take part in Travel Weekly’s Apprenticeships in Focus series.
The winners will be selected by a panel including Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley and Annette Allmark, from People 1st, the workforce development specialist for the visitor economy including travel and hospitality.
The deadline for entries is Friday, July 28 and the first feature will run in September.