Tipto hosts second apprentices roadshow

Tipto has held its second training roadshow exclusively for Hays Travel apprentices.

The event hosted 48 travel agents that are new to the travel industry and three staff from Hays’ training and development team following the success of the first training event in November last year for 75 Hays Travel apprentices at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The networking and marketing body introduced the 51 Hays staff to its roadshow format.

The special event at Birmingham Council House was attended by 11 Tipto suppliers and ran from 10am to 3pm with speed-dating for agents to learn about operators’ product and selling tips to maximise sales conversions, followed by a question and answer session and networking opportunities.

Tipto chairman Vishal Patel said: “It’s a testament to the success of our first exclusive apprentice event that we have been able to host Hays Travel apprentices in Birmingham.

“Introducing those new to the industry to our supplier members at a dedicated event like this, allows them to trial our style of learning and gain a grounding in the basics.

“We have several Tipto team and supplier members that started their careers as apprentices, so we know just how important it is in ensuring a long and successful career. Tipto offers the ideal learning environment for those in the starting blocks of this industry and we hope to be able to support even more apprentices with this partnership in the long term.”

Gold Medal trade partnership executive Rhiannon Simpson, who attended the event and herself followed an apprentice entry route into the industry, said this type of event would help inspire apprentices on their career path.

She said: “Starting out in the travel industry as an apprentice gave me invaluable hands-on experience and helped shape the career I have today.

“Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals, build confidence, and develop real-world skills in a fast-moving sector; events like Tipto’s are so important because they put suppliers that are keen to inspire, in front of the next generation of talent.”

The event included prize giveaways, with apprentices winning a £250 DoSomethingDifferent.com voucher, a £200 Love2Shop voucher courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent, and a £100 Amazon voucher thanks to Just Go! Holidays. Agents also had the chance to win one of five Tipto goodie bags with gifts from each supplier by playing the Tipto Reverse Bingo game.