Apprentices say on-the-job learning has aided career progress

Apprentices say being able to work and learn has helped them progress quickly into fulfilling careers, while opening up unexpected opportunities.

Billy Devine (pictured second left with Travel Chaps team), a Level 3 travel consultant apprentice at Travel Chaps, has taken bookings and attended trade events, fam trips, webinars and supplier visits since starting five months ago.

Devine, who was selected from more than 60 applicants, said: “Working for an independent agency alongside such a knowledgeable, experienced team is a privilege. I’ve gained so much insight from my colleagues’ years of expertise.. From attending industry events to managing my own bookings, I’m incredibly proud of how much I’ve accomplished already.”

Graduate Max Healy pursued an apprenticeship to work in travel despite having a degree in psychology.

“It’s difficult to find a job without experience,” he said. “I realised an apprenticeship was my best route in. I put on my suit and walked in the door of Blue Bay to ask if they’d take me on.”

The company was so impressed, it worked with AS Training to set up an apprenticeship for Healy, who is due to complete a one-year travel consultant apprenticeship in just eight months.

“It was hard at first, especially in the call centre with phones going all the time, but I enjoy talking to customers and putting bookings through,” said Healy. “It’s sink or swim – and I think I’m swimming.”

Holiday Lounge travel consultant apprentice Grace Bunn described her time at the agency so far as “a learning curve and an amazing experience”, with travel to Cyprus for the company’s work conference a highlight.

She is already loving the job, adding: “Being able to help people go on holidays they love and knowing I’ve contributed to their happiness to find the perfect holiday for them makes the role feel very fulfilling.”

Kelsey Smith, operations team manager at Gold Medal, said embarking on a Level 5 operations management apprenticeship last year was one of her best career decisions.

“It may have its ups and downs with the workload but it’s given me the opportunity to apply what I learn into action — from managing people and processes to understanding the bigger picture of how our business operates” she said.

Opportunities beyond the classroom have been the most valuable, she said, adding: “From meeting other apprentices and making new friends to incredible experiences such as jumping off the side of a mountain on a Contiki ski fam trip, it’s opened doors I never expected.”