The Tourism Education and Skills Working Group is seeking input from the travel industry on new training options for young people.
The group was set up in April 2023 following the Government’s decision to scrap travel and tourism courses at level three from September 2026.
Instead it is introducing T-levels, but there won’t be one dedicated to the sector.
At its last meeting on September 12, the Group discussed the next steps in trying to secure an alternative qualification and agreed a set of core themes that would need to be covered by future level three travel and tourism qualifications.
The next steps will involve a series of industry workshops to be held before the end of the year, seeking views and input on the themes. Conclusions will then be provided to those educational providers developing replacement courses to those due to end in September 2026.
Participants in the workshops will also be invited to take part in activities to demonstrate the industry demand that exists for the courses, which is a vital part of obtaining approval for new courses. There will also be opportunities for the industry to engage directly with educational providers as they put the course curriculums together early next year.
Vicki Wolf, ABTA Head of Education and Career Development said: “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.”
Claire Steiner Director of the Institute of Travel and Tourism added: “I would encourage all areas of the sector to take part as your views and experience will be invaluable in helping to shape new education courses.”
Further details will be released shortly and businesses interested in taking part in the workshops should contact their trade body – ABTA, the BTA, or UKHospitality and UKinbound – or other organisations involved in the Travel and Skills Working Group.
