A group of students from Birmingham Metropolitan College earned a trip to Dubai after winning an international competition.
- The competition focused on building a resilient workforce for a sustainable future in the travel and tourism sector.
- Second-year students collaborated on a project involving food-tasting events, mentoring schemes, and community engagement.
- Their efforts included lobbying local politicians and involvement with the travel trade community.
- The students had the opportunity to present their findings and explore career opportunities at the global conference.
Students from Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) achieved a significant milestone by winning a trip to Dubai after triumphing in an international research competition. This achievement facilitated their participation in the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) event, which promotes the development of a skilled workforce in the travel industry.
The 2023 competition theme, ‘Building A Resilient Workforce for a Sustainable Future’, inspired second-year students to undertake a comprehensive project. Their efforts included organising a ‘travelicious’ food-tasting event and devising mentoring schemes. These activities aimed to boost student involvement and reflect the dynamic aspect of learning beyond the traditional academic environment.
In preparation for the competition, students engaged with the community and the travel trade, collaborating with local businesses such as Midcounties Co-op Travel. They raised awareness about the challenges facing Level 3 travel and tourism courses by lobbying local MP Andrew Mitchell and Birmingham Mayor Andy Street, highlighting their proactive approach to making a difference.
The victorious group, represented by Evie Rimmer-McLoughlin and Isabella Ranwell Zanchettin, along with their lecturer John Garside, had the opportunity to present their project at the GTTP conference. Hosted at the Dubai Festival City, the event allowed them to engage with peers, teachers, and industry representatives from various countries.
The students’ participation in the conference not only involved presenting their project but also engaging in a careers afternoon where they had insightful discussions about opportunities in the industry. The ceremonial gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel, Al Jadaf, further enriched their experience, offering a platform to interact with international delegates.
With sightseeing being part of the itinerary, the students explored prominent landmarks such as the Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa, enhancing their understanding of the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Both Evie and Izzy reflected on the trip as a rewarding and transformative experience, with Evie reiterating its influence on their personal and professional growth.
The college continues to see a rising interest in its aviation and travel & tourism courses, with a 38% increase in student enrollment. This surge in interest is attributed to strategic efforts in engaging potential students and parents, strengthening the college’s position as a leading educator in the sector.
John Garside expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments and advocated for active participation in shaping future courses through the Abta survey. This aligns with the broader goal of nurturing a well-informed and industry-ready generation of travel professionals.
The success of the BMet students not only highlights their exceptional capabilities but also underscores the importance of innovative educational approaches in shaping future professionals in the travel industry.
