Travel group, Barrhead Travel, has announced the expansion of its apprenticeship programme creating an additional 20 new positions across various UK locations, doubling its apprenticeship recruits for 2025.
Last year saw the creation of 20 jobs following 100% of apprentices who were studying within the business completing their programme and accepting full time positions. The apprenticeship programme offers young people the opportunity to build a prosperous career in the travel retail sector including positions within marketing, HR and IT as well as sales positions in all of Barrhead Travel’s retail locations.
Barrhead Travel has been an advocate for apprentices and young people since its inception in 1975 and has taken on thousands of apprentices in its 50-year history. More than half of the company’s senior management team, including the President and Managing Director, began their careers as trainees and understand the benefits of a blended approach to education and learning on the job.
Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel said: “Apprentices are the backbone of the business community, creating talent pipelines and nurturing homegrown talent. I personally started as a trainee and have strongly advocated for the last few decades for robust investment from the Government.
“Unfortunately, many travel and tourism courses have been defunded by the Government which means that businesses are left to provide vital investment and support for the future careers of young people. We remain committed to bridging the gap through our bespoke apprenticeship programmes wherever we can and we’re delighted to be doubling our apprenticeship numbers this year.
“As well as gaining hands-on experience and being able to forge a lifelong career, apprentices also bring fresh approaches and ideas to the business and we’ve seen real innovation driven by some of our young people over the years.”
Ryan Mitchell started his career as an apprentice at Barrhead Travel Beverley. Seeing success through his apprenticeship, he is now employed full time as a Travel Consultant. He said:
“I chose to work in the travel industry, simply because I love to travel. I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the booking process of family holidays and wanted to be able to share that with others. It’s the best feeling watching people leave the branch with a smile on their faces after you’ve booked their dream holiday.
“The support I’ve received from the Beverley team during my apprenticeship has been amazing. The team are very supportive in answering any questions, are always happy to assist me and point me in the right direction as I get more confident within my role.”
Barrhead Travel’s apprenticeship programme will be opening applications this week for school and college leavers.
To find out more about Barrhead Travel’s apprenticeship programme, please visit their website, or social media channels.
