BARRHEAD RELAUNCHES MODERN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IN SCOTLAND

One of the UK’s leading travel groups, Barrhead Travel, has announced the return of its modern apprenticeship programme to offer young people the opportunity to grow a prosperous career in Scotland’s retail travel industry.

The Glasgow-headquartered travel group is forming an exclusive partnership with Glasgow Clyde College to deliver Travel Services apprenticeships via its in-house Training Academy.

Over 50 positions will be created with half to be based across Scottish high street locations. The group intends to release further apprenticeship opportunities for head office positions including roles within marketing, HR and IT.

The 12-month Modern Apprenticeship qualification offers an exciting alternative to classroom style training with on-the-job learning and provides the foundation for a successful career in travel and tourism.

The travel company, which was recently named as Best Agency to Work in the UK, is one of few travel groups to offer this type of travel apprenticeship in Scotland where there is a hybrid learning model between college and employer. It has invested in formal training for two in-house trainers who will become official assessors for the programme. The group will also partner with Northern Training Academy in England to deliver the same course to across its English network. 

The Barrhead Travel Modern Apprenticeship programme will provide experience beyond the recommended apprenticeship framework to provide industry-leading training. During the twelve-month course, the apprentices will benefit from further specialist travel training as well as tailored monthly sessions from travel suppliers to bolster industry knowledge.

Barrhead Travel will also offer all apprentices a National Minimum Wage during their studies rather than the recommended Apprenticeship rate.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said: “As someone who started their own career through an apprenticeship scheme, I know the impact that offering young people genuine development and progression opportunities can have.

Travel and tourism have faced a challenging few years – but there’s no better time to join the industry. Aside from having the opportunity to travel the world as part of your job, travel is one of the most inclusive, rewarding and diverse industries to be part of. Our young people represent the future of travel and I’m excited to play a role in nurturing our industry leaders of the future.”

She added: “Barrhead Travel has been an advocate for apprentices since its inception in 1975. When we discovered that there several apprenticeship routes have disappeared in Scotland since the pandemic, it was the natural next step for us to bring the qualification in-house, in partnership with local colleges.

As well as allowing us to continue growing and investing in talent from within, our new programme gives us the flexibility to offer completely tailored learning opportunities for every individual.”