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Barrhead Travel announce 75 new apprenticeship positions for 2020 during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Posted: 6th March 2020

Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s leading travel companies, has announced plans to recruit over 75 new Modern Apprentices for positions across its UK-wide network.

The Scottish-based travel agency has revealed that positions for young people will be created in a variety of departments including sales, marketing, IT and business development. The announcement comes in the midst of Scottish Apprenticeship Week where Barrhead Travel has been celebrating the success of its past and present apprentices across social media.

Barrhead Travel apprentices will “earn as they learn” benefiting from full time salaries commensurate with their age. As well as working towards a qualification, each apprentice will be assigned a dedicated mentor and enjoy travel industry training. Perks of the job include travelling the world to learn about destinations, a jam-packed calendar of social events and discounts on their own holidays.

Jonathon Munro, Head of Long-haul Destinations with a group of modern apprentices

The travel company’s relationship with apprenticeships dates back to its inception in 1975 when their first store opened with two full-time employees and a YTS apprentice (Youth Training Scheme). The company has actively supported a number of apprenticeship schemes and guarantees full-time employment for everyone who completes the course.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, started her own career in the travel industry as a trainee and ascended through the ranks during a twenty-year career. In 2019, she took the helm as president, flanked by a senior management team of whom 50% were also former apprentices.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel

Dobson said that the move to recruit more apprentices would boost productivity in the workplace and reflected Barrhead Travel’s commitment to grass-roots development:

“Having started in the travel industry as an apprentice, I know first-hand the benefits of the scheme and how, being part of a supportive environment, can enhance your confidence and grow your skills. Around 50% of our own senior management team started as trainees or apprentices and are now well-known and respected figures in the travel industry.

“As a large employer, we have a duty to ensure we are providing career-paths and opportunities for our young people. They are our business leaders of the future.

She continued:

“We need to ensure that, when faced with the decision of what to do after leaving school, young people know that there is no right or wrong path. There can be huge pressures on school-leavers to pursue an education at university however you do not need to get a degree in order to enjoy a successful career.

“The most important thing is for a young person to choose what is going to be right for them and think about what you love to do – that’s the key to success.”

Barrhead Travel’s modern apprenticeships are open to those between the ages of 16 and 19. Positions are available in locations across the UK with vacancies in sales, marketing, IT and more. Contact Barrhead Travel’s recruitment team for more information on 0141 223 6655.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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