Four trainees transition to fully fledged agents after generating over £1.17 million in sales, marking a significant achievement for Designer Travel’s Training Academy.
- The programme includes diverse backgrounds, with former professionals from law, motor trade sales, event management, and education.
- The academy provides comprehensive training, incorporating industry events, mentorship, and e-learning.
- Continuous improvement highlighted by the academy’s increased intake and focus on trainee support and growth.
- Designer Travel anticipates expanding learning opportunities with a range of methods tailored to trainee needs.
Four promising trainees have successfully transitioned into fully fledged travel agents, achieving over £1.17 million in sales for Designer Travel. This milestone highlights the success of the Designer Travel Training Academy as they nurture talent from diverse professional backgrounds such as law, motor trade sales, worldwide event management, and education.
Michelle Brice, Aimee Thornton, Michelle Gessey, and Philippa Myers each generated an average of more than £294,000 in sales while learning how to operate in the travel sector and establishing their homeworking enterprises. Their success can be attributed to an intensive 12-month training course that offers a robust combination of practical experience and academic learning.
The training encompasses attending industry events, involvement in Designer Travel social events, and one-to-one mentorship provided by dedicated training managers. A cornerstone of the programme is the academy’s conference, which offers an immersive experience into the duties and responsibilities of a travel agent.
Since April 2023, the academy has implemented a proactive approach by taking on one trainee each month, shifting from the previous ad hoc recruitment strategy. This change is designed to cultivate a continuous stream of skilled professionals.
Academy manager Abi Hyslop praised the cohort, noting their dedication to career change and business development from scratch. “These four consecutive trainees have done exceptionally well,” she stated. “They were all serious about changing their careers, dedicating time to learning, and building their businesses from the ground up.”
The academy’s success is grounded in its strategy to emphasise quality over quantity in trainee selection, ensuring only the most suitable candidates are chosen. Michelle Gessey commented on how the programme’s structure facilitated her business development at her own pace, supported by exceptional guidance and mentorship.
Looking forward, Designer Travel plans to expand its educational offerings by introducing more e-learning options and practical support for business planning. This forward-thinking strategy aims to adapt to various learning needs and further enhance product knowledge within the first year.
The achievements of the trainees underscore the effectiveness of Designer Travel’s commitment to training and development, setting a benchmark for future success.
