“I am studying tourism at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College. The exhibition will give me an opportunity to get to know recruitment agencies and travel companies to see what is on offer. I want to work as an air hostess but realise that I won’t get in direct from college so I am planning to gain experience working in a travel agency first.”
Preeti Basar, 17
“I currently work for Britannic Assurance but I studied travel and tourism at college and that is what I want to do. The travel industry is an exciting sector at the moment. I have spoken to most of the exhibitors but I expected the show to be bigger and to see more job opportunities. I don’t feel that I have got much to go on but I was really pleased to see Travel Weekly because it’s got so many jobs.”
Nicola Taylor, 29
“It is interesting to see what is actually available. Although some of the exhibitors have been really helpful, others just push a form in front of you. ”
Bryan Reynolds, 39
“I got into travel by accident and now work for a small independent agency but I am looking to move to London. I am looking for a management job preferably for one of the airlines although they aren’t represented here. One drawback of working in travel is the lack of training. Companies tend to train people to operate the computer in front of them and nothing more.”
Ian Greenfield, 27
“I used to work in retail but wanted to do something different. But when I applied to travel agencies they said I lacked the appropriate qualifications. I am working for Lunn Poly part time while I do an HND in travel and tourism but I am now looking for work with tour operators or airlines because of the poor pay in retail travel.”
Michael Jones, 31
“I arrived in the UK from Holland yesterday. I am looking for work in the UK perhaps as a buyer for a tour operator where I could be responsible for one particular region. This is a good opportunity to meet people and get to know UK firms although the majority of jobs on offer are not aimed at qualified people.”
Helma Kruithof, 24