The travel sector will have its own apprenticeship board from next year and firms are being encouraged to take part.
Sector skills body People 1st is eager to have a diverse membership on the Travel Apprenticeship Board, which will come in along with a new levy-backed government apprenticeship scheme in April.
The decision to create the board, covering business and leisure, was made last month. It will comprise six members, who will have to be nominated by two organisations and will serve two-year terms before seeking re-election.
Annette Allmark, strategic policy director at People 1st, said: “The travel industry is taking ownership of apprenticeship quality.
“Joining the board presents a huge opportunity for businesses and individuals that want to have an instrumental role in the future of travel apprenticeships.”
The Travel Apprenticeship Board will be recognised by government and will seek to ensure the industry’s apprenticeships are fit for purpose.
Board nominees will be judged on their experience, knowledge, qualifications and commitment to ensuring apprentices achieve agreed standards.
Abta hopes to also have a position on the board. Vicki Wolf, the association’s education partnerships manager, said: “We want to get a good cross-section of the industry, making sure, in particular, that the smaller members are represented.”
Wolf said Abta wants to encourage smaller members to take on apprentices. The association will host an apprenticeships conference in London on November 30.
To register your interest in the Travel Apprenticeship Board, email Annette.Allmark@people1st.co.uk