Hays Travel has secured a position as one of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers, underscoring its commitment to nurturing young talent within the travel industry.
- Ranked 32nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, Hays Travel joins prestigious companies like The British Army and Tesco.
- Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel, shares powerful anecdotes to illustrate the impact of apprenticeships on both individuals and the company.
- The company faced recruitment challenges last year but continues to invest in apprenticeships, taking on hundreds annually.
- With a personal story highlighting the transformative power of a second chance, the significance of apprenticeships is brought to life.
Hays Travel, a prominent name in the travel sector, has been recognised as one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the United Kingdom, securing the 32nd position in an esteemed list compiled by the Department for Education. This accolade places Hays Travel alongside renowned organisations such as The British Army and Tesco, reflecting its dedication to fostering apprentice talent. The criteria for this recognition include the successful completion and qualification rates of apprentices, underscoring the company’s commitment to their development.
In a conversation with BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours: Gap Finders show, Dame Irene Hays, the owner of Hays Travel, highlighted the crucial role apprentices play in the company’s success. With 546 apprentices onboarded last year and another 400 this year, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth employment. The final intake for this year is set to be confirmed following the release of GCSE results on August 24. Dame Irene emphasised that the young people employed as apprentices significantly contribute to the success of Hays Travel.
The challenge of recruitment, especially during the pandemic, was an industry-wide issue in 2023. Despite this, Hays Travel has remained steadfast in its recruitment and development strategies, proving the value of investing in young talent. Dame Irene recounted an impactful story of a young apprentice named Gary, who was given a second chance after facing potential dismissal. With his mentor’s advocacy, Gary not only avoided termination but eventually rose to manage a bus depot, showcasing the life-changing impact of these opportunities.
Dame Irene reflected on a poignant moment from her own career, advocating for the power of apprenticeships and second chances. She asserted that for many young people, especially those leaving school without qualifications, apprenticeships offer an invaluable second chance in a supportive environment. This sentiment is echoed by Hays Travel’s chief operating officer, Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, who expressed his pride in the company’s inclusion in the top 100 list, crediting his own success to the apprenticeship programme at Hays Travel.
Hays Travel’s recognition as a leading apprenticeship employer underscores the transformative power of nurturing young talent in the travel industry.
