Search For Travel and Tourism Champions is On

The Diploma in Travel and Tourism is looking for more employers to offer their support as Employer Champions, following a successful launch at the Best of Britain and Ireland exhibition on 19 March.

Ten senior industry professionals have so far committed themselves to becoming Employer Champions, and have volunteered their time representing the Diploma and their industries at various events around the country, including school careers days, regional network meetings and industry events.

Others are engaging in other ways with their local schools and colleges – for example, London City Airport will be offering a half-day module or guided assignment for Diploma learners. This will include a full tour of the facilities and services, and then setting a Diploma-related task or project for learners under the expert guidance of airport staff members.

The Diploma in Travel and Tourism is a new qualification that will be delivered in schools and colleges for the first time from September 2010. It is designed to give learners practical industry knowledge and experience that employers require, as well as the academic skills to continue to university if they wish.

Key industry players voiced their support for the Diploma at the official launch event in March.

ABTA chairman, John McEwan, said: "I am delighted by the response from employers to the Diploma. There has been an unprecedented level of employer engagement and a great deal of resources and effort invested.

“For the first time, we have seen real evidence of collaboration within the industry with the Diploma bringing together a wider range of industries.”

Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) chairman, Steven Freudmann, also commented: “Diploma students will have an inherent advantage over others in their applications for jobs in this rapidly professionalising industry.”

To find out how to become an employer champion, or how you can get involved with Diploma delivery in your area, contact John Humphreys at john.humphreys@people1st.co.uk

For more information on the Diploma in Travel and Tourism, visit tandtdiploma.co.uk