Careers guide
Apprenticeships in action
Apprenticeships arenāt just a great option for young people looking to get their foot in the travel door - they can be beneficial to the industry too, writes Alice Barnes-Brown
An apprenticeship provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in the travel industry.
The Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas), is a membership organisation that brings together tour operators, expedition cruise companies and tourist boards.
Last year to help promote growth in the adventure travel sector, Atas took on its first apprentice.
We spoke to apprentice Evie Sutherland and Atas director Claire Brighton about their experiences of the apprenticeship, the travel industry and how the relationship has helped them both to grow in their roles.
Evie Sutherland
Content executive, Atas
Whatās your background?
In sixth form, I studied travel and tourism, media and business. I never knew I wanted a career in travel, but knew I didnāt want to go to university or college because I had become bored with the school environment. I also didnāt want to go straight into a job because I didnāt know what I wanted to do.
How did you discover this apprenticeship opportunity?
I found it on the governmentās āSearch apprenticeshipsā website while I was in sixth form. I scrolled through the vacancies, looking for something that would interest me. I spotted this apprenticeship and it sounded up my street, so I applied.
Does the working environment feel like a good fit for you?
It was a challenge coming straight from school into my first work environment. But once I was in the office, it was quite an easy transition. Itās a relaxed environment and a lot of fun. Iām able to talk to everyone and thatās a great way to learn, because I can bounce ideas off people.
What have you learnt from the apprenticeship?
Vital communication skills, plus this job has brought out my confidence. Iām involved in a lot of meetings for Atas ā we have a travel agent advisory board and I can listen and see what our agents want from us or what we could do differently. Iāve gone into board meetings too, which is great experience for me.
How has the apprenticeship set you up for a career in travel?
Iāve been an apprentice for a year, so I feel I have a head start on people coming out of university. I also have a yearās worth of connections and networking, which is important in the travel industry. These skills are all transferable ā you can go anywhere in this industry if you have confidence and want to talk to people about travel.
Claire Brighton
Director, Atas
How did you get into the travel industry?
I went through clearing for university and studied tourism and marketing at the University of West London. Then I took a year out working at Trailfinders, where I fell in love with travel. I knew I was never going to do anything else and then finished my degree.
What were you looking for in an apprentice?
I can teach someone how to do the job, but I canāt teach them to be passionate or have that natural enthusiasm when theyāre out and about meeting people. At our Atas events, youāre often in front of 50 travel agents, so I had to be confident that the apprentice I hired would fit in with that crowd.
Has having an apprentice helped the Atas business?
Having Evie is great ā sheās brilliant at social media and has learnt how to host her own table at professional dinners. We hosted a meetātheāmedia event to introduce
our members to adventure travel writers. I had injured my leg that day so had to stay seated, but she talked to all the journalists and helped keep the event running smoothly.
What have you learnt from mentoring Evie?
Iāve learnt more about the youth travel market, which is something Atas is trying to expand into. And Iāve learnt more social media skills as well ā she has attempted to teach me how to use TikTok! Iāve also learnt how to manage someone from a younger generation. The styles are different; you have to make sure that youāre offering your mentee support, as well as getting what you need.
Why are apprenticeships an important way in to travel?
Iāve always been passionate about bringing the next generation into our industry. I went into this apprenticeship with my eyes open; you canāt just take someone on and not help them develop, so it was important to make it an opportunity that would set someone up for the future. Itās a fantastic route into the industry ā I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone.
Photo credits: Sarah Lucy Brown; Steve Dunlop