Almost 2,000 people have already applied for a place on Hays Travel’s award-winning apprenticeship programme this year.

Throughout its 46-year history, the UK’s largest independent travel agent has been committed to supporting the development of young people.

The application process for this year’s intake, which offers places in Hays Travel’s retail branches around the UK, and Sunderland head office, only opened in January.

But with 91 per cent of last year’s Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprentices achieving a distinction pass rate, it is little wonder the programme is in high demand heading into National Apprenticeship Week.

Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “Throughout our 46-year history we have always been committed to supporting young people and helping them to reach their potential. It’s amazing that 91 per cent of our latest Level 2 apprentices graduated with a distinction, including those with barriers to learning. Their success is thanks to our brilliant Apprenticeship team and all our people involved in their development.

“I am immensely proud that we have been able to support 60,000 youngsters through our apprenticeships, our graduate scheme, our Local Community Partnerships and the Hays Travel Charitable Foundation.”

Training for the apprenticeship programme is provided in-house by Hays Travel’s award-winning team, with head office colleagues working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Qualification and retail obtaining a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship.

The minimum entry requirements are Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4 or above, or Scottish NAT 4 or above (or equivalent).

Over the years there have been huge success stories, with many senior leaders beginning their careers as apprentices at Hays Travel, including Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer; Paula Barrett, Head of Retail; and Harriet Thompson, Head of the Hays Travel Independence Group.

Harriet Thompson, who began working with Hays Travel in 2006 in retail at the Sunderland Vine Place branch, said: “Looking back, my apprenticeship truly set the foundation for everything that followed. It gave me a solid understanding of the travel industry, and taught me how to work with customers, manage responsibility, and see the company from the inside out.

“Learning on the job helped me to grow up and develop in a way that I don’t think I would have so successfully if I had stayed in education. Beginning as an apprentice made me more confident and capable, and it allowed me to progress naturally as opportunities came my way.”

Hays Travel’s apprenticeship programme has an overall ‘good’ rating from Ofsted inspectors and is ‘outstanding’ for ‘behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘personal development’.

For more information and for details on how to apply, visit: www.haystravel.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships