Academics and industry figures have urged the sector to lobby against government plans to scrap travel and tourism qualifications for students in England aged 16 to 19.
They warn that defunding Level 3 courses after 2025 will cut numbers choosing to study travel at university and hit the pipeline of talent for employers.
The changes are part of Department for Education (DfE) plans to streamline the post-16 Level 3 qualifications system with a focus on A levels and technical T levels.
More: Take Off in Travel: Your guide to the amazing world of opportunities to build a career
Comment: Government’s education cuts show total lack of vision
Under the plans, some vocational subjects not covered by A and T levels will still be taught via replacements for BTEC Nationals known as Alternative Academic Qualifications. However, the government has confirmed that travel and tourism will not be included across the three qualifications, with funding eligibility removed from the 2026-27 academic year.
Industry experts and academics say this means young people wishing to study the subject at Level 3 will have to opt instead for a general business qualification or an apprenticeship.
Vicki Wolf, Abta’s head of education and career development, said: “Abta strongly disagrees with government plans to scrap travel and tourism qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds. There is still high demand for these courses, and they are an important career path for many people.
“While apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for young people, not everyone is ready for work straight out of school and a college course gives them time to discover more about their area of interest.”
Claire Steiner, co-founder at Future You Foundation, said: “This has really flown under the radar for our sector and it is important that businesses understand this will further reduce the number of young people engaging with travel and tourism. Collaboration is key. The industry must unite to voice our concerns over the defunding.”
Lisa Rowbotham, Level 3 tourism course leader at Runshaw College in Lancashire and a committee member of the Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE), warned: “The sector is already struggling with Brexit and an ageing workforce – this will only compound the problem.”
She said awarding bodies are lobbying the government and there is a campaign using the slogan #protectstudentchoice.
John Garside, aviation, travel and tourism lecturer at Birmingham Metropolitan College, urged professionals in the sector to advocate for travel, and for tourism to be included on post-16 funded programmes. “We need to drive change to the policy,” he said. “There are some outstanding students on my course who have a very bright future. They will be lost to other industries if there is no qualification.”
Dr Peter Robinson, ATHE co-chair and head of the centre for tourism and hospitality management at Leeds Beckett University, said 163 further education colleges in the UK deliver 16-19 education and most have some travel and tourism provision.
“It is particularly frustrating that UK government recognises the value of tourism, events and hospitality to the economy, but doesn’t recognise the importance of providing young people with the skills and knowledge the sector needs,” he said.
Clive Wratten, chief executive of the Business Travel Association (BTA), said: “The government’s decision to scrap travel and tourism courses for students in England is extremely shortsighted. This is yet another blow to our sector which is experiencing severe staffing and retainment issues post-pandemic.
“The Department for Education should not be discouraging students away from any career choice, especially those that have a huge impact on the economic prosperity of our country, such as travel. As a sector, we must lobby and do all we can to ensure this does not go forward.”
A DfE spokesperson said: “We are strengthening progression pathways, creating clearly defined academic and technical routes with high quality qualifications leading to further study, and/or skilled employment. This will help students to make good choices and see more easily how their study will help them to progress.”
He said there are currently no T Levels in travel and tourism, and qualifications such as these will be subject to the new funding approval process. The submission window for this will open in autumn 2023.
Awarding organisations will be able to develop qualifications for those aged 16 to 19, that support entry into level 3 occupations not covered by T Levels such as travel consultant and other occupations in the transport and logistics route such as cabin crew, aviation ground specialist, or aviation movement specialist.
Students who are enrolled on a qualification before public funding is removed will be funded to completion.
More: Take Off in Travel: Your guide to the amazing world of opportunities to build a career
Comment: Government’s education cuts show total lack of vision