Tony Byrne hails merits of training for older workers

Retired travel industry sales rep Tony Byrne has urged businesses to consider arranging apprenticeships for staff of any age after completing his course two years ago at 65.

Byrne finished a junior content producer apprenticeship through AS Training in August 2023 and recently attended the graduation ceremony at Gold Medal’s office in Leyland, Lancashire.

“The whole day was fantastic,” he said. “I got the opportunity to speak to former colleagues, but it was also great to see other apprentices. I was so pleased about their achievements. They were an amazing bunch.”

Byrne retired from his role with Typically Holidays in 2023 after a career spanning more than 45 years, during which time he was known by nicknames including Tony Tagliatelle, Tony Titan and Tony Tourama.

He embarked on the content producer apprenticeship as a 63-year-old in 2021 with the idea that he could help Typically with marketing and social media.

Byrne, who lives in Bury, Greater Manchester, and was the operator’s sales manager for the north of England, said: “Everything I was learning, I used in the business straight away.”

At the end of his apprenticeship, he created a presentation consisting of more than 60 slides to share his newly acquired knowledge with colleagues.

He believes more travel businesses should encourage their staff to complete apprenticeships, regardless of their age.

“If I can do it in my 60s, what’s stopping somebody in their 30s or 40s using their time to do it?” he said.

“Small and medium-sized companies should encourage their staff to think about what else they can bring to their business,” he added.

“There should be no issue about learning a new skill. There’s a skills shortage in the industry because of people leaving during Covid.”

Byrne, who paused his learning for eight months while receiving treatment for cancer, said the experience of completing the apprenticeship has shaped his view on how the industry can strengthen further.

“This [apprenticeship route] is the future,” he said. “Having so many apprentices coming through will help to keep travel businesses buoyant.”

Reflecting on finishing his course, he added: “The sense of achievement in being a more mature apprentice was probably as great or greater than for the younger ones.”