Dawson & Sanderson has embarked on a progressive journey by taking its apprentices on a fam trip to Spain, marking a significant milestone in their training.
This hands-on experience, in collaboration with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels, is designed to elevate the apprentices’ understanding of the travel industry, bolstering their confidence and expertise.
Empowering Apprentices Through Real-World Exposure
Dawson & Sanderson recently facilitated a fam trip for its apprentices, providing them with invaluable on-the-ground experience in Spain. This initiative, made possible in partnership with Jet2.com and H10 Hotels, marks a significant step in their professional development. Each apprentice experienced the intricate facets of travel consulting, preparing them for full-time roles in the industry.
The group embarked on a three-day journey to Salou, staying at the family-friendly H10 Salauris Palace and studying the offerings of the H10 Vintage Salou. Besides, they ventured into iconic attractions such as PortAventura and Ferrari Land, analysing the economic implications of attraction passes to enhance their sales tactics.
The Role of Practical Training in Career Advancement
Julie Cloe, general manager, underscored the essence of such trips, stating, “It is great to see their confidence grow, once they’ve been on a trip to fully understand the possibilities of becoming a full-time travel consultant.” Her insights reveal the duality of fam trips, blending work with experiential learning. This hands-on approach offers apprentices a robust understanding of client needs and destination intricacies.
Additionally, the apprentices benefitted from immersive experiences, including a day trip to Barcelona via train, showcasing the blend of culture and logistics crucial to tourism. This trip’s success is a testament to the structured approach adopted by Dawson & Sanderson in grooming adept travel consultants.
Continuing Education and Development
Dawson & Sanderson’s dedication to nurturing new talent extends beyond fam trips. The apprenticeship programme, enriched with practical engagements, provides avenues for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Participants are midway through a comprehensive course supplemented by AS Training, aimed at earning a Level Three travel consultant qualification. This structure equips apprentices with the acumen required to navigate the complex travel industry landscape effectively. They engage with mentors, often former apprentices, for guidance and support throughout their training.
Furthermore, apprentices are exposed to industry giants through webinars with Dawson & Sanderson’s top 20 suppliers. These interactions not only broaden their industry perspective but also foster relationship-building, crucial for future endeavours. Such initiatives attest to the agency’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of travel experts.
Innovation in Marketing and Customer Engagement
In a bid to stay relevant, the agency’s marketing strategies now incorporate insights from apprentices. With their fresh perspectives, these young professionals contribute significantly to engaging younger demographics, untapped by traditional marketing approaches. This synergy between seasoned professionals and new talent fosters creativity and innovation.
Apprentices are deeply involved in projects focusing on targeting younger holidaymakers, devising campaigns that resonate with this audience’s preferences. This collaborative approach has seen them actively participating in discussions on overcoming industry stereotypes and enhancing market reach.
Their engagement showcases a modern understanding of digital marketing and customer relations, providing a competitive advantage for Dawson & Sanderson in today’s dynamic travel market.
Strengthening the Workforce for Future Success
The progressive approach adopted by Dawson & Sanderson is reflected in its workforce development efforts. Each apprentice who completes the programme is assured a full-time position, a testament to the company’s belief in the potential of new talent.
According to Judith Alderson, corporate and commercial director, the apprenticeship scheme is pivotal to the company’s roadmap for success. “Recruiting and training a set of qualified and enthusiastic travel consultants…gives us a workforce integral to our future plans,” she remarked.
This strategy mitigates the industry’s loss of skilled workers post-Covid, offering a structured pathway for newcomers to integrate into the travel sector, bolstering its revitalisation.
Strategic Partnerships Enhancing Learning Outcomes
Collaboration with AS Training ensures that the apprentices receive a well-rounded educational experience. Michelle Van Sprang, director at AS Training, noted the significance of this partnership in creating an ambitious learning journey, which integrates specialist training and networking opportunities for apprentices.
Dawson & Sanderson capitalises on real-world experiences to enrich their educational framework, supporting apprentices as they explore different facets of the travel industry. These partnerships reinforce the agency’s commitment to providing quality training, tailored to individual learning styles, which lays the groundwork for a prosperous career in travel.
Dawson & Sanderson’s innovative apprenticeship programme sets a benchmark for industry training. The blend of real-world experience and structured learning nurtures future travel consultants equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. This approach not only enhances apprenticeship outcomes but actively contributes to the broader travel sector’s resilience and growth.
