Barrhead Travel is bringing back its modern apprenticeship programme to “offer young people the opportunity to grow a prosperous career in the UK’s retail travel industry”.

The agency said that more than 50 positions will be created across its retail network’s high street locations.

Barrhead also intends to release additional apprenticeship opportunities for head office positions, including roles within marketing, HR, and IT.

The relaunch of its programme in Scotland, in partnership with a local college, will see the group become one of Scotland’s only travel services apprenticeship providers with a hybrid model of college study and workplace learning.

The partnership will also see two Barrhead trainers qualify as assessors to work with the college.

An English programme will follow with a similar framework and will be delivered with an education partner.

Shaping future travel leaders

Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said: “As someone who started their own career through an apprenticeship scheme, I know the impact that offering young people genuine development and progression opportunities can have.

“The travel industry is built on talent from young people – with many of our leaders starting their careers as trainees.

“The pandemic paused apprenticeship intakes across the entire travel ecosystem but now we must focus on re-engaging with young people to create a future talent pipeline.

“We intend to continue engaging with schools, colleges and government bodies to share the reasons why encouraging young people to join the travel and tourism industry has myriad economic benefits.

“Travel is back – and we’re excited to play a part in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.”

In late June, Barrhead also unveiled the Cruise Academy – a virtual learning and development programme designed to expand its cruise offering.