Fred Olsen Travel is considering broadening the scope of its in-house training academy to help upskill existing staff across its 23 branches.
So far, 15 new recruits are in training or have completed courses at the Fred Olsen Travel Academy, set up in late 2023, including eight staff from outside the travel sector and seven apprentices.
Academy manager Sharne Algar hailed the first 18 months of the academy a success, with some recruits already strong or top selling agents at the chain, which is aiming to expand further this year to meet a target of 25 stores by 2025, set by retail director Paul Hardwick.
“The academy is running exactly how we expected it to and we are constantly looking at ways to develop it,” she said. “The recruits are doing fantastically well and some have become top sellers in their branches and really progressed.”
Algar is now considering widening the remit of its training to help existing company staff who want to progress up the career ladder.
“I am having conversations about training to upskill staff and offer leadership courses. There are always opportunities to develop and champion the staff we have got and invest in our existing employees,” she said.
The academy, created following a partnership with AS Training, currently offers a three-month intensive, classroom-based course for recruits from outside the industry who have transferable skills and a one-year Level 3 travel consultant apprenticeship course.
So far one apprentice has successfully passed, one recently gained a ‘distinction’ and another is about to complete here course. The success of apprentices in stores is already encouraging a more open-minded approach at the company.
She added. “As branches see the success other branches are having with apprentices they become more likely to take them on. Hopefully we will be able to take more on as the year progresses.”
The intensive course is followed by ‘blended’ learning, including work in store, ship visits and fam trips. Recruits range from a former teaching assistant who worked abroad to someone who previously worked in a funeral parlour.
“We are always looking for talent. We look for a strong customer service background,” she said, adding: “We don’t often lose staff to different companies but with Paul’s [Hardwick, retail director] grand plans for growth there is always the chance to bring on some more talent.”
After recruits complete their three-month course they receive a training guide on what to expect in their first year on the job and are offered regular ‘check ins’ with the academy and opportunities to go to industry events.
“We are supported by tour operators to give recruits and apprentices ship visits and go to conferences so they can immerse themselves in the products they are selling,” she said.