ABTA is launching www.abta.com/education, an online hub which offers a starting point for anyone interested in developing their career in the travel sector.

The hub offers information on routes to entry, learning opportunities and contacts.

The association can facilitate relationships between universities, colleges and training institutions that are developing the employees of the future, ABTA’s Members, who are seeking to employ skilled and educated staff, and the wider travel industry.

In recent years, it has worked with members and educators to understand the skills needed to support career development.

ABTA says it is committed to supporting ongoing career development in travel through its conferences and events programme, which is focused on providing practical, learning opportunities, the education partner scheme, its support of the ‘Take off in Travel’ career guide and its work with industry to improve professional standards in apprenticeships.

Through its new dedicated education and careers hub, the association aims to share useful information and insight, which is split into three sections: learning and development opportunities; universities and colleges in ABTA’s Partner Scheme; and information for people seeking apprenticeships.

Learning and development opportunities in travel
This highlights information on the range of careers in travel, various routes to entry and networking opportunities. Users can access links to relevant learning events, websites and guides such as the annual ‘Take off in Travel’ guide, which gives an overview of the range of careers in the travel industry and includes contact details for universities, colleges and companies with opportunities in travel.

Universities and Colleges on ABTA’s Partner Scheme
This section includes the universities and colleges who have shown a commitment to the sector by joining the ABTA Partner Scheme, and provides information on the ABTA Internship Scheme. Education Partners have access to  industry resources and expertise, and University Partners have the opportunity for their students to apply for ABTA’s annual internship. This internship provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience of working on sustainability initiatives at the company.

Apprenticeships in the travel industry
Section three provides information and a website directory for apprenticeship schemes and for training providers and colleges that offer travel apprenticeships. This includes information on the new “Travel Consultant Apprenticeship”, developed by People 1st (the workforce development charity that represents travel), ABTA, a number of members and other industry representatives. The new apprenticeship, which covers both leisure and business has an end assessment test, ensuring that every apprentice meets the agreed industry professional standards.

Commenting on the new education hub, Victoria Bacon, ABTA’s director of Brand and business development said:

“Over the past two years in particular, we have focused our efforts on bringing our Members and education partners closer together through the ABTA Education Partner Scheme. We have also grown the range of learning opportunities for industry staff through our expanded events and conferences programme, so it’s a natural next step for ABTA to create a dedicated hub with relevant resources for anyone pursuing their career in travel.

“There are a huge range of exciting paths for people who are either starting their career or looking to develop their careers further, so it can be difficult to know where to start. The purpose of this hub is to provide employees of today, and the future, with the resources to discover the opportunities on offer. We hope to showcase the range of opportunities in this fantastic industry while also making it easier for people to navigate the options.”