Abta hails ambition of candidates as it extends internship scheme

Abta has extended the scope of its internship scheme, taking on two students this summer for the first time, with placements lasting two instead of one month.

 

Joining the communications team is Holly Roser (right), currently in her final year at Bournemouth University, studying tourism management.

 

She has previous experience in marketing and events, having interned for Dorset Mind.

 

The legal team intern is Laura Fraile (left), a final-year student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, studying international tourism management.

 

Being an international student from Colombia, she has experience working in travel-related jobs as a hotel receptionist in Bogota and Cardiff, as well as a group service coordinator on Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

They were chosen after a selection day in March, which invited eight shortlisted candidates to the travel association’s head office.

 

All eight candidates have been offered a free place at an Abta event of their choice in the coming months to give them valuable insight into industry issues and the chance to network with professionals in the sector.

 

Vicki Wolf, head of education and career development at Abta, said: “This year, I was particularly struck by how confident and career-driven all the candidates were.

 

“They had a clear sense of direction and ambition, with six out of the eight being final-year students actively looking for roles – an incredible opportunity for our industry to welcome fresh talent.

 

“I would encourage members to offer these opportunities, if possible, whether internships or apprenticeships, to support the next generation of travel professionals.”

 

Holly Roser said: “I really enjoyed attending the Abta internship selection day; the range of presentations from the team was incredibly informative and motivating.

 

“It was a great experience to further my knowledge of the organisation. I am eager to have new opportunities with the team and get stuck into some exciting projects.

 

“I’m hoping this internship will allow me to develop my abilities, whilst growing and sharing my passion for the ever-growing tourism industry.”

 

Laura Fraile said: “I was impressed by the assessment day at Abta. It was not the usual interview; it was about understanding more deeply what Abta does through the different speeches organised by the different departments.

 

“I am excited to contribute to the legal team and deepen my understanding and expertise of the travel industry.

 

“I see this internship as an essential opportunity to build my professional path in becoming a legal expert in an exciting and thriving industry.”

 

Launched in 2015, Abta’s summer internship gives students from its 11 university education partners at all stages in their degrees the chance to get a taste for the travel industry and develop their skills and knowledge.