Homeworking agency group Travel Counsellors has launched its latest scholarship programme, offering more places than ever before.
Now in its third year, the programme will offer up to 20 young business owners the opportunity to join the Travel Counsellors Academy, worth £5,000 each.
As part of the selection process, applicants are required to submit a business plan that will be evaluated by the Travel Counsellors recruitment team.
Shortlisted candidates will be able to pitch their business ideas to a panel of travel industry experts at the support team office in Manchester.
Scholarship winners will qualify for a benefits package featuring a six-month ITT-accredited training and onboarding programme, 10 days of virtual classroom learning plus ongoing training, a personal mentor, memberships of the Institute of Travel & Tourism and Cruise Lines International Association, and access to Travel Counsellors’ digital platform, Phenix.
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Travel counsellor Penny Cartledge, who secured a place on the most recent academy scholarship programme, said: “The programme allowed me to dive into the travel industry with confidence, backed by incredible training, mentorship and the support of a global community.
“I went from having little industry experience to launching my own travel business with sales already coming through after just three months.”
Matt Harding, director of franchise sales at Travel Counsellors, said the programme aims to empower “young, ambitious entrepreneurs who want to establish their own travel businesses”.
“We’re dedicated to encouraging the next generation of business owners who have a real passion, providing strong career guidance and helping them realise their potential,” he said.
“We know the impact this can have, having already witnessed the positive impact of this support through the successes of previous winners.”
More than 300 Travel Counsellors began with no previous travel background or experience, including 10% of the company’s Gold TCs, its top-performing business owners.
Applications are open via the Travel Counsellors website and will close on April 30, 2025.
Applicants need to have left full-time education within the last five years or have fewer than five years of work experience.
Pictured launching the scheme at World Travel Market London are, from left: travel counsellor Penny Cartledge, Sue Brennan, Travel Counsellors’ growth marketing manager and Kristina Seed, learning and development executive at Travel Counsellors.