Industry chiefs to head new apprenticeships watchdog

Set up under the auspices of skills specialist People 1st, the body features representatives from five of travel’s leading businesses.

Ben Bouldin, associate vice-president and managing director UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean International; Emma Metcalf, qualifications delivery manager – talent programmes, Thomas Cook; Julia Assock, head of learning & development, Reed & Mackay; Linda Ginger, global head of sales training, STA Travel; and Nicky Duffy, head of operations, Clarity Travel Management will help ensure travel apprenticeships stay ’fit for purpose’.

They will be joined by non-voting members from Abta and the GTMC.

People 1st said the creation of the board was "critical", given the industry would need 53,000 skilled staff by 2024 to remain competitive.

New apprenticeship standards were created for travel last year after a long-running consultation across the industry.

Annette Allmark, People 1st director of strategic policy, said: “We were delighted to see such a fantastic range of nominations from businesses across the industry wanting an influential role in the future of travel apprenticeships.

"It’s important to stress that while the board includes five industry representatives, all employers are encouraged to engage with its members and People 1st to help drive quality apprenticeships.”

Vick Wolf, partnerships manager, education at Abta, added: “We look forward to working with the new board members. Abta and a number of key members have been heavily involved in the development of the travel apprenticeship and we will continue to work to ensure that the travel industry plays a leading role in the governance of the new apprenticeship.”