Blue Bay Travel has taken on nine new members of staff, following a recruitment drive to attract candidates from outside the industry.
Launched in May, the recruitment campaign generated more than 200 applications.
Forty candidates were invited to a recruitment day at the Blue Bay Travel offices in Staffordshire and then nine appointments were made across the sales, product and promotions, customer service and administration departments.
The successful candidates began a four-week ‘New to Travel’ training programme on September 5.
Led by learning and development manager Beth Trueman, the training combines classroom lessons with on-the-job coaching, followed by role-specific training.
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The new joiners also attended a Sandals & Beaches Resorts roadshow in Stoke-on-Trent to familiarise them with one of Blue Bay Travel’s key partners.
Nia Colclough, head of HR for Blue Bay Travel, said: “The campaign and recruitment day have proved a great success and we’ll continue to support this method of recruitment.
“It has provided access to talented and passionate people who we’d have not otherwise reached.
“There are fewer routes into the travel industry today than there used to be. Although the demand is there, few travel businesses support apprenticeships, so a lot of colleges no longer offer this route.
“Finding new ways to bring fresh talent into the industry is essential, especially after seeing so many great people change career paths during Covid.”
She said there will be another ‘New to Travel’ recruitment day in 2023, and the company will launch Travel and Tourism apprenticeships in partnership with its local college.
The new recruits come from a range of sectors, including hospitality, social care, e-commerce and retail.
Jay Robson, who has joined Blue Bay Travel as promotions assistant, said: “I previously worked in ecommerce, but have always been extremely passionate about travel and the career progression available.
“Blue Bay has given me a great opportunity to kick start my career in travel.”
Ellie Rawlings, who has joined the sales team as a Personal Travel Advisor, said: “Before Blue Bay, I worked part time as a sales assistant in a shopping centre, while completing my travel and tourism course at college.
“Blue Bay’s ‘New to Travel’ training course has really boosted my knowledge and confidence.
“My favourite part of the training has been spending time in each area of the business to learn how all the departments work together to create the best possible experience for our customers.”
Izzie Beech has also joined the sales team as a Personal Travel Advisor. She commented: “The ‘New to Travel’ programme has been perfect for me as few companies offer the chance for people like me, who have never – or only briefly – worked in the travel industry.
“Between April 2021-June 2022 I worked for a private medical company as a patient advisor, which I enjoyed.
“However, I really wanted to start a career in an area that I am truly passionate about.
“Pre-Covid, I enjoyed a brief stint at a travel agency, but my time was cut short when the pandemic hit, so I’m really excited to be getting another chance for a career in travel.”