Barrhead Travel will create a further 50 apprenticeship positions over the next 12 months, following the successful relaunch of its Modern Apprenticeship programme in 2022.
The revamped apprenticeship programme launched in August 2022, with a pledge to create 50 positions for the year ahead.
Delivered with two education providers, the programme is tailored to Barrhead Travel and offers a hybrid of college and workplace learning.
More than 50% of the original pledged apprenticeships were filled within six months, and demand is growing, so the chain has committed an additional 50 positions across its retail network and head office.
By the end of 2023, all retail locations will have at least one apprentice while sales support departments including digital marketing, HR, business development, and product will offer tailored opportunities.
More: Barrhead Travel praised for boosting employment of young people
Barrhead Travel relaunches apprenticeship scheme with 50 retail positions
Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead Travel president, said: “Many will know I started my career as a trainee, so I can attest to the benefits of encouraging young people into travel with a blended approach to education and on-the-job learning.
“During the pandemic, there were very few opportunities for apprentices across the travel industry and we have seen the impact this had on businesses last year.
“Young people make up the backbone of travel – investing in robust training and learning opportunities to encourage school, college and university leavers to consider a career in travel is beneficial for the entire travel ecosystem.
“We’ve noticed the increase in demand for careers in travel rising in tandem with the demand to travel.
“It’s once again taking its rightful place as one of the most attractive industries to work in thank to the perks and the people.
“As a younger demographic also return to retail travel agents, it’s an opportune time to be encouraging apprentices who are intrinsic in nurturing clients of the future.”
More than half of Barrhead Travel’s senior management team started their careers as apprentices or trainees.
Pictured: Sophie King, travel consultant and former apprentice. © Malcolm Cochrane Photography