Former Dawson & Sanderson apprentices unite with current trainees

Former and current Dawson & Sanderson apprentices united at the agency’s Newcastle branch recently to share their experiences of training and development.

The event was held to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, which had the theme this year of “Skills for Life”.

The northeast travel agency chain has delivered apprenticeship schemes every year since 2011. It partnered with AS Training in 2023 to continue to support the next generation of travel specialists.

As part of the event in Newcastle, five Dawson & Sanderson team members delivered presentations about their careers, all of which began with a two-year travel consultant apprenticeship.

They encouraged the new apprentices to get involved with fam trips to broaden their knowledge of hotels, attractions and destinations.

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Julie Cloe, general manager of training and development, said: “I arranged this National Apprenticeship Week reflection session as I believe it is an integral part of the apprenticeship journey.

“Hearing from former apprentices provides new apprentices with an insight into how their future can look here at Dawson & Sanderson.

“It also offered former apprentices the opportunity to reflect on their own personal and professional development and inspire new apprentices during this initial phase of their career with us.”

The Dawson & Sanderson travel consultant apprenticeship offers learners the opportunity to learn on the job, gain experience and build up individual customer bases through regular in-store interactions.

Alongside this experience, apprentices work toward their Level 3 Travel Consultant qualification.

Michelle Van-Sprang, director of AS Training, added: “I believe today has provided valuable inspiration and encouragement to those on their apprenticeship journey.

“Hearing how those who came before them are enjoying a fruitful and successful career at Dawson & Sanderson is a great motivator.

“The current apprentices look up to these individuals and visualise themselves in a similar role in the future, inspiring the next generation of travel experts.”

Pictured: current and former Dawson & Sanderson apprentices alongside Sarah Miller, senior business development manager at Advantage Travel Partnership, Julie Cloe, general manager at Dawson & Sanderson; and Michelle Van-Sprang, director at AS Training.