Build your Knowledge

Start your career

Build your Knowledge

There's a wealth of information aimed at helping you learn more about the industry, find training programmes and courses, and apply for your first job in travel
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If you’re considering a career in the travel industry, working out where to begin can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of resources and advice platforms available – if you know where to find them.

They can guide you as you prepare to start your job search, give you lots of valuable information about the industry to deepen your overall knowledge, and help you narrow down which sectors, companies or specific roles might be right for you. Here are some great tools to help you get started.

Trade associations

, the largest travel trade association, represents a cross-section of the travel industry and has an educational division that promotes careers within the sector. You can find guidance on apprenticeships and T Levels, as well as insights into recruitment and industry trends. The organisation also runs an education partner scheme, connecting universities, colleges and training companies with its industry members through career development initiatives and events. Additionally, the Abta regional student representative scheme pairs students with mentors from the travel sector for professional guidance.
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Training and resources

is a charitable organisation that supports young people worldwide in gaining the skills and experience necessary to secure employment in the travel and tourism industry. It offers a free ‘introduction to the industry’ course, and has recently launched a soft skills course called ‘workforce readiness’.

For those looking to explore a career in business travel, the offers a range of valuable resources, including a brochure packed with career advice and job opportunities.

If you’re contemplating a career in the aviation industry, the focuses on creating opportunities for young people and career-changers to enter the sector. The organisation’s leadership includes many of the UK’s key aviation players.

The has partnered with Springpod, a careers platform that promotes social mobility, to offer one-week virtual work experience aimed at 15 to 18-year-olds, providing an understanding of aerospace and aviation through interactive learning and expert insights.

Stay updated

It’s important to stay on top of the latest news and trends when job hunting or attending interviews, which is especially true of the ever-evolving travel industry. Stay up to date with news including company mergers, changes in travel regulations, new product and destination updates. The UK’s leading travel trade publication, , publishes daily news, destination features, analysis and much more – and it’s all free to access online. There’s also a jobs board that brings together key job opportunities in travel and hospitality companies across the UK.