Work experience placements can greatly benefit your travel agency, attracting new agents, utilizing new skills, and expanding your clientele. In 2023, over half of the TTG Top 50 Agencies hired work experience employees. Understanding the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits of work experience placements is crucial to ensuring success for everyone involved.
Introduction to the Study
To find motivated applicants, start by establishing connections with nearby universities and schools. Many agencies have direct connections with these institutions, and some agents, like Hayley Gadd, make college visits to speak to students. Oasis Travel, a company, participated in a trial program with a local government-sponsored college, where two out of four candidates were offered jobs after eight weeks.
Oasis Travel has provided five days of assistance to four students over the past year, while Now Let’s Travel offers assignments on demand ranging from a week to six months. Gadd hosts two travel and tourism students every 12 months. Some students come for a six-week block during term time, while others may visit once a week for a term or a full year.
Teaching staff often recognize potential hires who would fit well and recommend them. They usually speak with the student directly rather than answering questions. They also give them a reality check to ensure they are suitable for the team. Many students want to be cabin crew members, so it’s important to ensure they are suitable for the job.
THE PLACEMENT PLANNING
Agents must present their liability insurance certificate to institutions or schools after placements are arranged. They then plan the student’s course of action. Students at Hays Travel Weymouth fill out a workbook, including the phonetic alphabet and geography fact files, while working on the shop floor. They also assist with marketing and signage.
Murray Travel students use a “tracker” system to track their development and record their learnings. They divide their time between marketing and sales skills, allowing them to find suitable holiday options for genuine inquiries. Sales advisors listen to consumers and recommend suitable options, such as Jet2Holidays. Although the adviser may become slower, they quickly understand how to conduct investigations, ensuring a smoother transition for students on long-term placements.
Students create social media marketing posts, which are reviewed by a marketing manager before being published. This process can be beneficial for agencies as it can help find fresh talent. One student, who has recently applied for an apprenticeship position, is eager to understand daily responsibilities. Despite the initial effort required, the process can be a valuable tool for finding new talent.
Sharratt agrees that the company expanded rapidly, necessitating the hiring of more staff. One student, Kacie Dick, gained confidence through a placement at Murray Travel during her fourth year of study. After completing her exams, she assumed the permanent position, contributing significantly to the team and answering questions herself. The company has completed their trial term for hiring through work experience.
Polly Bendall, a 19-year-old who completed work experience at First Choice and later became a full-time employee and apprentice, advised students seeking a placement to do their homework, explore the agencies they want to approach, and be bold and ask questions if placed. Bendall rejoined Gadd as a part-time consultant at Hays Travel after having her two kids.
APPLYING NEW METHODS
Sharratt suggests that students can offer valuable skills to the company, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. The agency could attract new clients by hosting students, who often use the agency for vacation planning. Work experience students can also strengthen customer loyalty.
A consistent procedure is crucial for successful placements, as it saves time and benefits both agents and students. Branch managers initially opposed students on staff, but after implementing a consistent procedure, they realized the advantages for both the industry and themselves, as per Sharratt.
