Tourism training group explores course opportunities after govt setback
Tom ParryA new industry taskforce, launched after the government announced plans to defund travel and tourism training, has met to explore the future of further education courses for the sector.
Experts said they believe there “appears to be an opportunity” to develop new non-A level qualifications from 2026, with the industry being able to help shape course content to better suit its needs.
The group, consisting of members from Abta; ITT, the BTA, the Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE), the Aviation Industry Skills Council (AISB), Birmingham Metropolitan College, the Tourism Alliance and travel and tourism qualification provider NCFE, has created a fact sheet to help summarise the main issues for the industry and education providers.
Last month the Department for Education announced intentions to scrap level 3 travel and tourism courses after 2025 – a move met with condemnation by industry bodies.
Vicki Wolf, Abta’s head of education and career development, said the last few weeks had “created a lot of uncertainty” for further education students, lecturers and colleges, as well as travel and tourism employers.
“It was good to get a better understanding of the full circumstances and what happens next. While there are still areas that need clarification from the government, it appears that there will be route for future further education courses specific to travel and tourism. They are vital in preparing young people for a career in this amazing sector,” she said.
The meeting also heard how a decision by City and Guilds to no longer provide further education travel and tourism courses is unrelated to the government review and other providers still plan to offer courses.
Claire Steiner, chair of the ITT’s Education and Training Committee, said the “energy and enthusiasm” from the meeting was encouraging.
“While the circumstances are far from ideal – there seems to be a good opportunity to shape the courses to suit our sector’s future needs. It’s good that industry, associations and education providers can work together as part of this new group to do just that.”
John Garside, lecturer in aviation and travel & tourism at Birmingham Metropolitan College said: “We discussed the importance of making sure there are vocational qualifications available in travel and tourism for those young people who don’t want to do A levels but wish to continue with education to set themselves up for a career in the travel industry or go onto higher education.
“It seems that there could be a potential route to do that, and a great opportunity for education and employers to shape the content of future courses. I look forward to being part of that.”
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