In need of a holiday? These guys can help

8:13am Tuesday 1st April 2008

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WITH a fully functioning travel agency and a mock-up of an aeroplane cabin, students at a Worcester college are well-equipped to prepare for life in the travel and tourism industry.

The industry is now among the largest sectors of employment in the country, with more and more of us jetting off on holiday every year.

From learning how to book a holiday to dealing with rowdy airline passengers, Worcester College of Technology gives students the chance to learn essential practical skills they need for their career.

Travel and tourism courses at the college are hugely popular and it is easy to see why with the facilities on offer. Course tutor Jane Oakes said: "The college has moved swiftly into the 21st century, with its state-of-the-art travel and tourism study centre. June 2007 saw the first students ready for industry having completed their National Diploma in Travel and Tourism, with pathways leading to qualifications as overseas resort representatives, cabin crew and retail travel agents."

The mock-up interior of an airline cabin is a real asset to the college. It allows students to get hands-on cabin crew experience.

Air Salvage International in Andover, Hampshire, supplied the section of a BAC 1-11 plane.

"Students choosing a pathway in cabin crew can rehearse all aspects of the role before they apply for jobs," said Mrs Oakes.

The students also receive a day of tuition at the Virgin Atlantic training facility in Gatwick. They take part in conducting emergency exits and cabin safety together with Virgin Atlantic staff. And for those wanting to keep their feet firmly on the ground the college also has its very own travel agency, Spires Travel, situated in the reception area of the main building in Deansway. Here, both college staff and students, as well as members of the public, can book a real holiday.

Mrs Oakes said: "The employment success rate is very high in this area; we can boast we have a former student working in all the travel agencies in Worcester city."

The success rate for those students wishing to pursue a career overseas as resort personnel is equally high.

This year has seen students working in the Greek islands, the Balearics, Gran Cayman and one lucky student in the Maldives.

"It takes a certain type of personality to work in the challenging environment overseas and we work with the students to arm them with the necessary skills to be successful," Mrs Oakes added.

The college offers a one-year First Diploma in Travel & Tourism, one-year Introductory Diploma in Travel & Tourism, and two-year Advanced Travel & Tourism qualifications.

Students also have the opportunity to take the NCFE Level 2 Certificate for Airline Cabin Crew, a City & Guilds course in Resort Representatives, and ABTAC Travel Agents Certificate. Mrs Oakes said: "A key element of the qualification is the residential study visit to Majorca. The students spend a week at a 4* hotel. Here the tutors work cohesively with Thomson, the tour operators, to ensure that the students experience hands-on opportunities working in an overseas resort. UK trips are equally important, as are guest speakers from all areas of the industry."

Current students at the college have been offered jobs with First Choice, Thomas Cook and British Airways, to name but a few.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM COURSE: WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY

Kayleigh Sawyer, aged 19, of Springfield Glade, Malvern, has secured employment as a trainee manager with the Marriott group of hotels. "I really enjoyed the cabin crew element, but then I found out I was better suited to a management role," she said.

Shameen Scott, aged 18, of Bilford Road, Worcester, is set to become a member of British Airways' cabin crew this summer."It's great that I've had the chance to get first-hand experience of the job before I start and I think this stood me in good stead," she said.

Ami Chapman, aged 18, of Belmont Road, Worcester, begins work as cabin crew with First Choice in April. "I have really enjoyed the course at the college," she said. "It gives you the chance to do all the training that you need. It's great.

Lucy Simmonds, aged 20, from Bewdley, has been recruited by First Choice as a holiday rep.

"The course has given me a good grounding," she said. "You have a go at everything so you can choose which aspect of travel and tourism you are interested in."