Hays Travel develops ‘robust’ scheme for apprentices with dyslexia

Hays Travel has developed tailored support for apprentices with dyslexia as well as other barriers to learning, to help them “thrive and build successful careers” in travel.

 

To meet the needs of its apprentices, the agency recruited a specialist learning support coach and developed a “robust” support system through its learning and development team.

 

Hays Travel said that, according to The Brain Charity, while dyslexia does not worsen with age, the demands of adult life – such as complex reading, multitasking, and workplace expectations – can make the effects of dyslexia more noticeable.

 

Victoria Thomson joined Hays Travel as a learning support coach earlier this year, swapping her career in primary education as a special education needs teaching assistant to support the development of apprentices at Hays Travel.

 

She said: “We encourage our apprentices to be open and honest about their experience of neurodiversity; it’s only through having these conversations that we can begin to understand the realities they face and can put steps in place to support them.

 

“I feel like we’re building bridges and giving tools to the apprentices to be able to talk about their experiences.”

 

Thomson recently attended a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Dyslexia at Westminster, chaired by Juliet Campbell MP. The session provided valuable insights into early support strategies for apprentices.

 

 “The conference I attended was an opportunity for colleagues in different sectors to learn from each other, ask questions, and understand the practical requirements of people with dyslexia,” Thomson added.

 

“It gave me insight into the early support needs that we can put in place, so our apprentices get off on the right footing. I was surprised that no other apprenticeship providers were there at the conference. I found it really valuable.”

 

Her work aligns with the new Ofsted framework introduced in November, which includes a dedicated ‘Inclusion’ evaluation area.

 

This framework emphasises early identification and collaborative support for learners with SEND, including dyslexia, to ensure they have opportunities to succeed.

 

Rachel Allen, head of apprentices at Hays Travel, said: “Since joining Hays Travel the value and importance of Vic’s role supporting apprentices with barriers to learning, including dyslexia, has really taken off and feedback from the apprentices and their family members or support network has been positive.”

 

Emma Jamieson (pictured) is an apprentice travel consultant at Hays Travel Elgin who has dyslexia and has been receiving additional support from the learning and development team.

 

She said: “When I was at school, I struggled to think about what I really wanted to do. I spoke to my careers’ advisor, and she knew I loved travel so suggested I apply to the scheme at Hays.

 

“I have really enjoyed it. Everyone I work with has been so supportive, and the learning and development team has really helped me with my dyslexia.

 

“I have access to blue overlays, blue paper and read aloud text (technology which converts written content to audio).

 

“The support Hays Travel gives its apprentices is excellent and I would say to anybody who is thinking of applying in the future, don’t be nervous.”

 

Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, chief operating officer of Hays Travel, said: “An important part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for belonging is identifying the support our people need to thrive.

 

“Ensuring apprentices with dyslexia and other learning differences receive the tools and confidence they need reflects our belief that inclusion is not just a policy, it’s a culture.”