AS Training expands annual apprentice graduation and launches new award

AS Training has announced plans for a ‘bigger and better’ graduation ceremony for industry apprentices, alongside the launch of a new Employer’s Choice award.

The travel industry training provider is hoping to welcome up to 90 apprentices to the second annual event, up from 50 last year.

The AS Training Graduation & Awards Celebration will be held at Jet2’s Holiday House HQ in Leeds on October 21 this year, featuring guest speakers, lunch and individual award presentations.

Apprentices from across travel and tourism will don caps and gowns and receive certificates as part of the day to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

In addition, there will be ten individual awards, including the new Employer’s Choice award, which will be judged by Abta’s head of education and career development, Vicki Wolf. The category will allow trade employers to nominate an apprentice for exceptional impact in the workplace.

AS Training managing director Michelle Van Sprang said: “We are expecting 150 people this year compared to 100 last year as apprentices can bring a plus one this year. It’s going to be bigger and better and will be a real feel-good day.”

Apprentices attending span roles from travel agents to cabin crew, having completed courses over the past year covering retail, marketing and management. 

Travel companies sponsoring the event include Jet2, Online Travel Training, Holiday Extras, Iberostar, Gold Medal, The Travel Corporation, T Profile and Liverpool Airport.

The most popular course represented will be the level-three travel consultancy qualification taken by travel agents.

AS Training is also continuing to recruit for the remaining six spaces on its first AI-focused apprenticeship qualification.

A cohort of 10 people will take the 18-month ‘AI-powered operational transformation’ course, which starts in September and aims to meet growing demand for more efficient and automated processes across the trade.

The programme is aimed at staff involved in processes, reporting, communication flows, customer operations or business efficiency who want to better understand how AI can support smarter decision-making and more streamlined operations.