Hays Travel has been recognised for its significant contribution to apprenticeships, ranking 32nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2024. This accolade comes as the travel agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating opportunities for young talent.
The annual list by the Department for Education features Hays Travel alongside notable organisations such as The British Army, BT, and Tesco. The ranking underscores the agency’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce through comprehensive apprenticeship programmes.
Recognition in Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers
Hays Travel has earned a commendable 32nd position in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list for 2024. Compiled by the Department for Education, this annual list honours employers across England that excel in providing apprenticeship opportunities. The travel agency joins prestigious firms like The British Army, BT, and Tesco in this year’s rankings.
The list evaluates companies based on the number of apprentices who successfully complete their programmes and obtain apprenticeship qualifications. Hays Travel’s placement highlights its success in developing skilled professionals through its apprenticeship schemes.
Significant Apprentice Recruitment
During a recent discussion on BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours: Gap Finders show, Hays Travel’s owner, Dame Irene Hays, revealed that the company had onboarded 546 apprentices last year and 400 this year. The final intake for this year will be confirmed post-GCSE results on August 24.
Dame Irene emphasised the vital role apprentices play in the company’s success, stating, “Quite categorically, the success of Hays Travel in no small part is due to the incredible young people we employ as apprentices.” This statement underscores the agency’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Overcoming Recruitment Challenges
Dame Irene also addressed the significant recruitment challenges the travel industry faced in 2023 due to the pandemic. Many individuals left the sector, causing a shortage of skilled staff.
To counter this, Hays Travel has focused on recruiting apprentices, viewing it as a strategic move to rebuild its workforce. Apprenticeships offer a pathway for individuals to start fresh and develop essential skills.
The Power of Second Chances
Dame Irene shared an inspiring anecdote about a young man named Gary, who was about to be dismissed during his Youth Training Scheme. His mentor Ted intervened, securing Gary a second chance, which ultimately led him to become a manager at a bus depot.
This story exemplifies the transformative power of apprenticeships, providing individuals with the opportunity to excel in new environments. “From that moment, I thought the power of apprenticeships sometimes for people who have come out of school unencumbered by qualifications, it’s almost a second chance,” she remarked.
Dame Irene highlighted how such initiatives could significantly impact individuals’ lives by giving them opportunities to thrive and succeed.
Ongoing Commitment to Apprenticeships
Hays Travel’s continuous efforts in promoting apprenticeships have been acknowledged by its inclusion in the Top 100 list. This recognition reflects the company’s dedicated approach towards creating a robust learning and development framework.
Chief Operating Officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, a former apprentice at Hays Travel, expressed his pride in the company’s achievements. He stated, “As someone who started my career with Hays Travel as an apprentice, I have firsthand experience of how well our learning and development team prepare people for a long, exciting, and successful career with the company.”
Impact on Business Growth
The strategic focus on apprenticeships has significantly contributed to Hays Travel’s business growth. The agency has not only managed to rebuild its workforce post-pandemic but also ensured a steady influx of skilled professionals ready to drive the business forward.
By investing in apprenticeship programmes, Hays Travel demonstrates the potential of these schemes to nurture talent and support long-term growth. Such initiatives align with broader industry efforts to address skill shortages and enhance workforce quality.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Hays Travel plans to continue its commitment to apprenticeship programmes, viewing them as essential to maintaining and enhancing its service standards. The agency’s ongoing efforts are expected to fortify its position in the competitive travel industry.
The recognition by the Department for Education only strengthens Hays Travel’s resolve to invest in young talent, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of providing exceptional travel services.
Hays Travel’s focus on apprenticeships has proven to be a strategic asset, contributing to both workforce development and business growth. The recognition in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list underscores the agency’s success in fostering a skilled and dedicated team.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, Hays Travel’s commitment to nurturing young talent through apprenticeships positions it well for future growth and success. The agency’s efforts highlight the invaluable role that apprenticeships play in building a resilient and skilled workforce.
