Dedicated courses are the gold standard

I am writing this week’s column while on the train to dnata Travel Group’s offices in Leyland, Lancashire.

As well as looking forward to catching up with senior members of the team, I’m also very excited to be attending a ‘graduation’ ceremony the company is hosting for AS Training’s latest cohort of apprentices.

This focus on the next generation is particularly timely as, back in the Travel Weekly office, the team are putting the final touches to this year’s edition of our annual careers publication Take Off in Travel.

More: V-level qualification cautiously welcomed by education experts

And my trip to the northwest also comes as those in the industry tasked with shaping our future leaders are starting to get their heads around a shake-up of post-16 education and the launch of a consultation on the government’s proposed V-level qualifications.

While a focus on creating more vocational qualifications is welcome, the devil will be in the detail of how they are introduced and if travel and tourism gets the focus it deserves and currently receives under the BTec system. Of course, there is value in broader business-focused qualifications which teach skills that can transfer to our sector. But with the regulatory and structural landscape of the industry constantly evolving, it is essential that young learners have the opportunity to gain the specific knowledge to succeed in travel.

Not all industry leaders started their careers with travel and tourism qualifications and apprenticeships, but plenty did. We must support those who will be fighting the sector’s corner to ensure these proven routes into the industry remain open and fit for purpose.

Comment originally from Travel Weekly, October 23 edition