The Hays Travel Career Pathway

Careers guide

The Hays Travel Career Pathway

With hands-on support and expert training, opportunities are aplenty and progression can be swift at Hays Travel

Hays Travel is the largest independent travel agency in the UK. It’s a fun and friendly place to work, where colleagues enjoy a balance of support, training, autonomy and challenge, in fulfilling and rewarding careers.

Hays Travel is a company with strong values, committed to looking after its people, providing excellent customer care and supporting the communities where it operates.

This desire to nurture offers colleagues a clear progression pathway. Individuals receive tailored support based on their skills and ambitions, within an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Apprentices in particular benefit from this support network, and progression through the ranks can be quick as a result of the training and mentorship offered at Hays Travel. Here, find out what these five team members have to say about their Hays Travel career journey.

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Apprentice

Sophie Parker is an apprentice at the Gainsborough branch  “I have had incredible colleagues around me and the best learning and development coaches throughout my time. Everyone has been so helpful. The whole team are approachable and there is always someone there guiding you in the right direction. I have managed to learn so much in such a short time, not just about travel, but personal life skills too. The training sessions are fun and being able to meet other apprentices and make new friends has been amazing.”

Apprentice

Liam Hayes is an apprentice at the Connah’s Quay branch “I feel fortunate to be part of a team I can turn to whenever I encounter difficulties. My manager and assistant manager are always available to offer guidance and my learning and development coaches have also been amazing. I have dyslexia, so I have an additional learning support coach, who has been helping me with various tasks and regularly checking in to see how she can assist me further. Joining as an apprentice is an opportunity to begin with no prior experience and continuously learn and develop your knowledge and skills.”

Graduate

Ahmad Tijani is working in Hays Travel’s credit control team for the second of his two-year graduate programme, having spent his first year rotating between four head office departments “Each of my placements has offered hands-on experience through project work and role specific responsibilities, allowing me to learn and grow. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive and friendly colleagues that go above and beyond to assist me. What I like best about my job is the confidence my managers have in allowing me to take on difficult challenges.”

Branch Manager

Laura Foster joined the Hays Travel apprenticeship scheme in 2017. She is now manager of the Catterick branch and has a place on the Aspiring Regional Manager programme “I started my apprenticeship in 2017 and became assistant manager of the Catterick branch in 2021. Six months later, I was branch manager and in May 2025 my application for a place on the Aspiring Regional Manager programme was successful. The support has been incredible. My favourite thing about Hays Travel is that we are all one big family and everyone is made to feel equal.”

Branch Manager

James Little joined Hays Travel two years ago on the New to Travel scheme and is Dunstable branch manager “Since starting with Hays Travel, the support has been amazing. Nothing has ever felt too much, and everyone has taken the time to coach and mentor me. The things I love most about my job are making dreams a reality and hearing the different travel stories that customers tell me. I just like talking to people, and because we sell such a variety of holidays, I’m constantly adding destinations to a list of places I’d like to visit!”

Opportunities for all

Jo Rzymowska is a non-executive director with Hays Travel and is working to support its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Hays Travel has a clear purpose to foster a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived experiences. This culture, alongside the company’s Smile values (supportive, motivational, innovative, loyal and excellent), empowers its people, customers and communities to thrive and belong. Diversity, equity and inclusion are in Hays Travel’s DNA. Led by Dame Irene Hays, cross-functional teams are driving initiatives to ensure it continues to be a leader in this field.”

Photo credit: Steve Dunlop