I visited Travel ’99 on September 28 with 13 students and spent the day going around the stands asking operators what type of training and qualifications they valued and the skills we should concentrate on.
Everyone was very helpful and interested, though I am not too sure education secretary David Blunkett would have liked some of the answers. Unfortunately it only goes to show there is still a gulf between what the employer wants and what educational gurus think they should have. The students had a great day, and got lots of application forms and career ideas. I have sent my ideas gleaned from the day to my head of faculty, watch this space!
Sally Butler
St Austell College
St Austell
Cornwall