Newmarket Holidays has expanded its educational programme to help nurture future travel talent through internships, apprenticeships and mentoring.
In partnership with North-East Surrey College of Technology and the Link School in London, the escorted touring specialist, based in Wallington, Surrey, now offers more educational support than ever before.
The company has also extended its partnership with apprenticeship provider Paragon Skills, which offers paid apprenticeships and on-the-job training culminating in an official qualification after 12 months.
Currently, Newmarket Holidays has apprentices in its customer service and finance teams and an intern in its marketing team, with more planned in the coming year.
It has also expanded its work experience offering, with the Newmarket team now regularly visiting North-East Surrey College of Technology to train students.
Students can now take up one-to-two-week placements or visit Newmarket Holidays on a day-release basis from college to fulfil work experience requirements more flexibly.
Previously, college students could apply to join the company’s Lapland day trips which provide an opportunity to learn about product operations and engage with customers.
The operator has also built a new relationship with The Link School in Sutton and is taking part in a new pilot scheme as a result of being a cornerstone employer with the South London Careers Hub.
Newmarket Holidays’ head of people and culture, Nikki Bail, said: “At Newmarket Holidays, we aim to provide a coordinated, integrated, and hands-on approach to careers education with strategic support to schools and colleges, as well as the development of an innovative careers programme which we’re delighted to be growing.
“Through partnering with local institutions, as well as running internship and placement programmes across different teams within our head office, we can nurture future travel talent by equipping young people with the essential skills required.”
Ball added: “As a result, we benefit from their fresh ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm, and in the long run, ideally, retain them permanently within the business. We’re also in the unique situation of being able to offer several different positions across different departments, ensuring invaluable experience.”
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