Industry working group steps up campaign to secure the future of post-16 education and training
James ChappleA new taskforce campaigning to secure alternative qualifications for young people keen to pursue careers in travel and tourism is seeking the industry’s views on the core themes and topics that should be at the centre of any new courses.
Established back in April, the Abta and ITT-backed Tourism Education and Skills Working Group met last week (12 September) to discuss the next phase of the industry’s response to the government’s plans to defund all current level 3 travel and tourism courses in England from September 2026 when it introduces T Levels.
With no T Level currently planned for travel and/or tourism, effectively shutting down a common and well-trodden pathway into the industry, Abta said the group was now exploring what exactly could and should go into effective replacement training courses for post-16s.
At last week’s meeting, the group agreed a set of core themes that would need to be covered by any future level 3 travel and tourism qualifications to best prepare students for further study or to begin their careers in the industry.
It will now host a series of industry workshops during the latter stages of the year to seek views and input on these themes, with feedback set to be passed on to the education providers exploring development of replacement courses.
Participants will also be invited to take part in activities to demonstrate the industry demand for such courses, which Abta said would play a vital role in achieving approval for any new courses to ensure they are ready to start from September 2026.
In addition, the group said there would be opportunities for the industry to engage directly with education partners as they draw up course curriculums in the new year.
“This is a real opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to shape the future of level three skills training for the sector and it is fantastic to see such enthusiasm and a collaborative approach from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries,” said Abta head of education and career development Vicki Wolf.
Industry’s views ’invaluable’
Claire Steiner, chair of the ITT’s education and training committee, hailed the "productive meeting". "Next steps will involve all of us going out to our individual memberships seeking their input in a series of workshops and I would encourage all areas of the sector to take part," said Steiner.
"Your views and experience will be invaluable in helping shape new education courses."
John Garside from Sutton Coldfield College, part of Birmingham Metropolitan College, added: "I continue to be excited and inspired by the collaboration with all members of the the Tourism Education and Skills Working Group as we look to negotiate the changes to level 3 travel and tourism qualifications.
"The aspiration is we are able to continue to provide industry recognised qualifications that provide pathways into higher education and are rewarding to our future students.”
Anyone wishing to participate should contact their trade body – Abta, the Business Travel Association, UKinbound or UKHospitality – or any other organisation involving in the working group, such as ITT or Antor, to find out more.
Last month, Abta chief Mark Tanzer and director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge met with new tourism minister John Whittingdale to discuss the industry’s education and training needs, among other priorities.
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