Newmarket Holidays is taking significant steps to advance its educational initiatives in Surrey, aiming to prepare the next generation of travel professionals.
Through strategic partnerships with educational bodies, the company has introduced internships and apprenticeships that offer practical experience and official qualifications.
Expansion of Educational Programmes
Newmarket Holidays has made significant strides in expanding its educational programmes at its head office in Wallington, Surrey. The introduction of internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring has been facilitated through partnerships with local institutions, such as Paragon Skills, North-East Surrey College of Technology, and The Link School in London. Through these collaborations, Newmarket Holidays aims to nurture future travel talent by equipping young people with essential business skills.
The firm’s collaboration with Paragon Skills has been extended to offer paid apprenticeships that culminate in an official qualification after 12 months. Moreover, paid internships, extending up to a year, are available for students across the UK, providing invaluable industry experience. This commitment highlights Newmarket’s dedication to fostering practical skills and career readiness among emerging professionals.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Newmarket Holidays’ collaboration with the North-East Surrey College of Technology has expanded its work experience offerings. Previously, students could apply to join Lapland day trips to gain insights into product operations and customer engagement. Now, the partnership has evolved into a more immersive experience, with regular college visits to deliver training. This hands-on approach ensures students receive direct exposure to industry practices, enhancing their learning.
Students have the opportunity to undertake work placements lasting one to two weeks, or alternatively, they can spend a day a week at Newmarket Holidays for a more flexible experience. Through these arrangements, the company provides meaningful exposure to the business world, helping students to grasp industry fundamentals.
Innovative Pilot Schemes
Newmarket Holidays has developed a relationship with The Link School in the London borough of Sutton. This connection is part of a pilot scheme with the South London Careers Hub, where Newmarket serves as a cornerstone employer. HR team members visit the school to mentor students, present career opportunities in the travel sector, and offer training and discovery days at their head office.
Such initiatives are crucial for bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with real-world applications of their academic pursuits. By engaging with future professionals at an early stage, Newmarket Holidays is playing a pivotal role in shaping the skills and ambitions of tomorrow’s workforce.
Nikki Bail, Head of People and Culture at Newmarket Holidays, emphasised the mutual benefits of these partnerships, stating that by equipping young people with essential skills, the company not only nurtures future talent but also gains from fresh ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm.
Success Stories and Impact
Several former apprentices and interns have transitioned into permanent roles at Newmarket Holidays, including in departments such as the contact centre, product development, finance, and marketing. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the company’s educational strategy in retaining talent. Providing a pathway for growth within the company is seen as a core element of the programme and a key factor for the business’s success.
Emma Kallipetis, currently undertaking a marketing and sales internship, appreciates the diverse exposure she has gained within the marketing team. Her experience at Newmarket has not only equipped her with practical office skills but also enriched her academic pursuits back at Liverpool University.
Commitment to Career Development
The comprehensive educational schemes at Newmarket Holidays go beyond traditional learning, offering a holistic approach that includes hands-on training and mentorship from experienced industry professionals. These opportunities are designed to provide students with a solid foundation and confidence to excel in their future careers.
The structured programmes reflect Newmarket’s ambition to support career development by offering real-world experiences that enhance academic concepts. This alignment between study and practice is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach to employee development.
The company’s focus on fostering long-term retention of skilled employees within the business continues to result in mutual growth and success for both the organisation and its staff.
Looking Towards the Future
Newmarket Holidays remains committed to evolving its educational programmes by fostering relationships with academic institutions and enhancing its training offerings. This commitment underscores the firm’s vision to remain a leader in developing future industry professionals.
With plans for expanding internship and apprenticeship placements, Newmarket seeks to harness the enthusiasm of young talent, encouraging them to pursue fulfilling careers in travel. As the company continues to attract and retain dynamic individuals, the future looks promising for both the business and its incoming professionals.
Newmarket Holidays’ educational initiatives serve as a model for promoting skills development, benefiting both the company and its future workforce.
By reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent, Newmarket ensures a promising future for the travel industry.
