Travel Advisor Review

As a Travel Advisor I am responsible for providing our customers with a high quality customer experience when they want to book a holiday or have any questions regarding the travel services we offer. Some of my main responsibilities are selling holidays, selling AXA insurance products compliantly and spending time in the Foreign exchange. Each day is completely different and you will never know who will walk in the door nor what they are going to ask. Additionally, the holidays you sell can range from a £30k+ booking right the way down to a £300 holiday! Also, as a travel advisor I am responsible for hitting my monthly sales targets whilst ensuring all out customers are looked after right up until they depart.

The skills I have developed are endless! This is my second year as a management degree apprentice and I have been very lucky In having the opportunity to step up to be the third key holder in my store. The main skills I have developed since taking on these responsibilities are leadership, conflict resolution and definitely customer service skills! Additionally, I feel that through constant interaction with customers my communication and listening skills have been substantially improved since starting this apprenticeship!

I think the program I am on has really developed since it started two years ago! Both the employer and training provider have listen to feedback given and really improved/refined the program which has benefited my experience so far! I think the program is really demanding but I feel very lucky that I am able to have a different job each year for four years gaining valuable experience of different areas of the business. As well the interaction the employer has with the program is amazing and this is seen through each module studied at university being sponsored by a manager within the company who helps explain the theory in a real life context and related to the employer! Furthermore, since stating the program I have been given endless opportunities to showcase my talents and I feel the program has really empowered me to follow my self-determination in progressing though the company.

The program has definitely improved since the initial stages/years. However, as we are the first cohort through this apprenticeship for the company there are teething issues and less structure/organisation one would expect. However, it is important to note that even though there is very little organisation/structure to the course any concerns or issues are soon rectified after bi-monthly forums with the apprentices and program leader. I think the main improvement area of the course would be the overall plan of the course. It would be useful to know deadlines/modules in advance and what the end plan is for us apprentices. It would be really reassuring to know that a job is secure at the end of the course!

I receive lots of support from my employer. Regularly we have bi-monthly forums with the apprentices and manager of the program where any issues are raised. However, it is important to note that the 20% off the job training is still not widely accepted across the business. Each manager of each apprentice gives the hours to their discretion which results in varying % of off the job training for each apprentice. A definite area for improvement would be working out a way to really enforce this into the program and ensure all managers are giving the correct time and entitlement.

The training provider is excellent! Because we are a closed cohort of apprentices the delivery of the degree is really personalised and tailor made to us! I feel that I receive high quality training and the support is always accessible through an email or phone call with the lecturer. Additionally, we have quarterly catch ups with our tutor and line manager where our progress is reviewed and any issues are discussed.

I believe my degree so far has enabled me to solve complex problems within my work environment through the development of transferable skills. Additionally, because the degree is tailor made to our employer the theory learnt is in detail about our employer and helps me understand the wider business in a deeper level than a usual employer. Finally, the modules are really relevant to my placements throughout the business and I am able to draw upon the theory learnt and apply it to real life scenarios!

There are lots of things to get involved in: Book Club, Knitting, Choir, Running, Football. It would be good to see more activities encouraged throughout the business. Additionally, I think due to the nature of the apprenticeship placements there is very little negotiation to flexible working hours so it is hard to really get the most out of your time and get involved in activities as most of Tb evenings/ lunches are spent doing university work.

Yes

I think TUI is an excellent company to work for! I think that it’s not the traditional boring corporate environment but one which is youthful and enjoyable to come to work! Also, we are very grateful for the holiday perks we receive and the opportunities to get involved in conferences or team days!

Make sure that you show your personality! A lot of people who are on my scheme have an incredible personality by which makes us all unique. Highlight your individual traits and make sure you work hard and show enthusiasm for working for the company. TUI likes people who are Talented, unique and inspiring!