Dawson & Sanderson apprentices recently experienced a three-day training excursion to Spain, aimed at enhancing their understanding of travel consultancy.
- The trip, organised with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels, included visits to PortAventura and Barcelona, among other highlights.
- General Manager Julie Cloe underscored the trip’s importance for boosting confidence and knowledge among trainees.
- Apprentices are halfway through their programme and are poised to secure full-time positions upon completion.
- Practical experiences like this are vital as Dawson & Sanderson expand their apprenticeship programme.
Dawson & Sanderson recently organised a three-day familiarisation trip for eight of its apprentices, focusing on enhancing their practical skills and industry knowledge. The trip, set in Salou, Spain, was conducted in collaboration with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels. During this trip, the apprentices were located at the family-friendly H10 Salauris Palace and were given the opportunity to tour the H10 Vintage Salou, allowing them to compare and contrast different hospitality styles.
The core of their adventure included visits to high-profile attractions such as PortAventura and Ferrari Land. These experiences were designed to equip the apprentices with first-hand insights into the management of tourism attractions and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of attractions passes, integral facets of a travel consultant’s role. A train journey to Barcelona expanded their exposure to international travel logistics.
Julie Cloe, the general manager, highlighted the significance of such outings, expressing that these experiences were crucial for developing the apprentices’ confidence and competency in the field. “It is great to see their confidence grow,” she noted, illustrating the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application, which is instrumental in preparing them for customer interactions.
The apprentices, having commenced their training in September, are making notable progress through their programme. By participating in such immersive experiences, they are gaining the skills necessary to advance towards a Level Three travel consultant qualification, equating to two A levels, with assured full-time roles post-qualification.
Beyond just theoretical and practical training, the apprentices were brought together for National Apprenticeship Week to exchange experiences with past trainees. This nurtures a supportive learning environment and exposes them to the extensive scope of the travel industry. The involvement of apprentices in various facets of Dawson & Sanderson’s operations, from marketing to supplier interactions, reflects the comprehensive nature of their training strategy.
An additional highlight of the programme is the apprentices’ participation in a project in collaboration with the company’s marketing team, aiming to better target and connect with younger audiences. This initiative marks Dawson & Sanderson’s commitment to evolving with market demands and embedding fresh perspectives into their business model.
The approach adopted by Dawson & Sanderson underscores their intent to boost the travel industry workforce, particularly after the losses experienced post-COVID, by attracting energetic new talent through well-structured apprenticeship programmes.
Dawson & Sanderson’s hands-on training initiatives showcase the firm’s commitment to cultivating skilled travel professionals for the future.
