AS Training challenges apprentices to raise funds

Specialist travel training provider AS Training is encouraging all its apprentices to get involved in fundraising events this summer after partnering with industry charity Reuben’s Retreat.

The company has just over 100 travel apprentices currently, which is set to increase to around 150 this year.

The company’s marketing coordinator Adrian Van Sprang has kicked off fundraising by joining the charity’s current 15-day Everest Trek challenge to Nepal’s South Everest Base Camp with other professionals from inside and outside the travel industry, which collectively has raised more than £14,000.

Director Michelle Van Sprang, who is married to Adrian, said: “We have partnered with Reuben’s to get as many of our apprentices involved in charitable work this summer as we can, practicing what we preach. Adrian has kickstarted it with a bang!”

AS Training’s aim is to raise £5,000 for Reuben’s Retreat. The training company has contacted each apprentice’s employer to share its charity plans. Adrian has already raised £1,475 of his £2,000 target.

“Most [employers] are familiar with the charity due to its high profile within the industry. The response has been very positive with apprentices already making suggestions on what they can do to raise funds,” said Van Sprang, adding: “Adrian has inspired a lot of them to dust off their walking boots!”

Each apprentice can choose what charity work they would like to get involved in, from sponsored walks to bake sales and sponsored dress down days, or they can join one of the events organised by Reuben’s Retreat such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

The company is helping apprentices to set up their own fundraising pages in addition to the company’s collective charity page on givengain.com

Van Sprang said the new initiative aimed to help apprentices gain skills.

She said: “We feel by offering each apprentice the opportunity to get involved in charitable work it can help apprentices develop practical skills and increase their soft skills, it also provides the opportunity for personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. We will be encouraging as many of our apprentices to get involved no matter how small or how big.”