Lincolnshire Co-operative has partnered with AS Training to train and develop staff as recruitment of agents with travel experience continues to prove a challenge.
The 13-branch travel agency currently has four staff enrolled with the training company on a combination of level 3 travel consultant and level 4 sales executive courses.
The staff are all new to the travel industry, with the flexible training intended to support their work in branches.
The group is in the process of taking on another travel consultant apprentice, in its Louth branch, in addition to the four apprentices currently enrolled on courses with AS Training.
Area manager Sue Hare said recruiting staff with travel experience remained a “struggle” but apprenticeships offered a “great way” to attract new talent into the business.
The group has successfully taken on apprentices in the past with many progressing into management roles.
A previous apprentice who is now an assistant manager has continued her development and is now in the final stages of a level 5 CMDA chartered manager degree apprenticeship, she added.
On the partnership with AS Training, Hare said: “We are delighted to partner with AS Training to support both new colleagues and those looking to advance their careers.
“AS Training’s flexibility in tailoring content to individual experience and knowledge levels works perfectly. We look forward to collaborating with them to support our team’s journeys as they progress their careers with us.
“We are passionate about the continual development and retention of colleagues to the travel industry as its crucial to our future success, without great people you don’t have a business.”
AS Training managing director Michelle Van Sprang said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Lincolnshire Co-op to support their apprenticeship and training programs.
“It’s truly inspiring to collaborate with such a forward-thinking company, one that not only opens doors for fresh talent but also deeply invests in the growth and development of its existing team.
“Their commitment to creating exciting career pathways and continuous progression is nothing short of exceptional. We are honoured to be part of this journey, helping to shape the future of their workforce.”