With the awarding organisation NCFE having written its new travel and tourism qualifications, David Rowley, product manager at the specialist in technical and vocational learning, explains how they will help develop a pipeline of talent and give flight to ambitions of working in the sector
After an intensive period of consultation and development, we’re now ready to submit our new qualifications in Aviation, Travel and Tourism to regulators for approval.
These Level 3 Technical Occupational Qualifications (TOQs) are primarily aimed at those aged 16-19 and will replace the existing provision from September 2026, in line with the Department for Education’s post-16 reforms.
Equivalent to three A Levels, or a new T Level, the TOQs will hold the same number of Ucas points as both options and allow students to either progress straight into employment or to continue their education at university.
One criticism of the legacy courses was that the content was too broad, and they acted like taster courses for the sector, rather than providing learners with the meaningful competencies that they could then use in the workplace.
The difference with TOQs is that they must be mapped to employer-led occupational standards, meaning they will prepare learners far better for the world of work.
The aim is to bring more focus to the skills but keep as much breadth as possible to avoid pigeonholing learners down to one career role.
Employer check in
In creating the new content, we endeavoured to engage with as many employers in the industry as possible to ensure the knowledge and skills contained in the courses matched those demanded by industry.
Working with education providers was also paramount to ensure the qualifications are deliverable and marketable to students.
Critical to the success of the project has been the Tourism Industry Skills Working Group (TISWG), containing colleagues from industry, further and higher education, and trade bodies.
Abta has been phenomenal in providing access to large numbers of employers and teasing out the skills they’re looking for.
The original submission date was set for June 2024 but the general election ‘pause and review’ delayed this to the new year.
This should not raise any concern, however, as – regardless of the new Labour government’s policy – we intend to release this new improved content for learners.
Unpacking the qualifications
Naturally, before we submit for approval, the exact content of the new qualifications is embargoed, but I can confirm a few details about them.
Travel and Tourism has many familiar concepts, but with exciting new additions.
This includes things such as an increased focus on sustainability and distinctive content focused on the business travel industry.
There’s also far more up-to-date technology content included, such as crucial understanding of global distribution systems, social media and artificial intelligence.
Aviation has long been an afterthought; something tacked on to Travel and Tourism.
Now, we have a bespoke course which will provide training for students interested in ground or cabin crew, but also containing content that appeals to those who aspire to become pilots, including flight operations and meteorology.
As always, futureproofing is key for us. That’s why we’ve again included truly cutting-edge technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility and Vertiport design.
There has been some uncertainty in the education sector regarding the future of the post-16 reforms considering the change in government, but those working in the travel and tourism industry need not worry.
NCFE is committed to providing continuity of provision in Aviation, Travel and Tourism. If there are any policy changes or unexpected turbulence ahead, it won’t alter that flight path.