Jet2holidays commits record £1.5m to agent apprenticeship scheme

Jet2holidays is contributing a record £1.5 million to its Appoint an Apprentice scheme for 2026/27, representing an uplift of £100,000 on last year’s figure, as it looks forward to helping “even more” travel agent partners.

The scheme, introduced in 2023, enables independent travel agents to recruit, develop and retain talent through apprenticeship training.

Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships at Jet2holidays, said: “Feedback from the recipients of the Appoint an Apprentice scheme has been extremely positive, so we are delighted to be introducing it for a fourth year and pledging our largest investment to date.”

The tour operator said it would continue to give support beyond the financial contributions, noting the offer of “mentorship and guidance” to maximise the impact of apprenticeship programmes.

Last year, the company ran a “destination discovery trip” for travel agency apprentices  as well as a career development webinar. 

Now Lets Travel has appointed 10 apprentices through Jet2holidays’ funding, with the agency’s Newcastle-based team leader Georgia Wilson among the recruits.

She said: “The team leader apprenticeship has really opened my eyes to a lot of things I had not come across before… I am learning things that are directly relevant to my job, which makes it feel more useful and engaging.”

Cross added: “We are always looking at ways to invest into our independent travel agent partners to help them strengthen and grow their businesses, and the substantial contribution we are making this year demonstrates our commitment to the scheme and our continued support. 

“By expanding our offering, we can help even more partners and maximise the positive impact we are having on these organisations. We look forward to working with even more independent travel agent partners and playing a part in their success.”