Iglu Cruise has launched an apprenticeship scheme designed to “immerse” participants in the travel industry

The 16-month Apprentice Cruise Travel Consultant programme will be based at the agency’s Portsmouth headquarters and will be structured in two phases.

For the first nine months, apprentices will learn global geography, booking mechanisms and how to think using a “customer-centric mindset”. The final seven months will then focus on sales and help participants develop their selling skills and manage their own portfolio of cruise holidays.

The programme will be run in partnership with Zenith Training and will target young people aged 16 and over with at least four GCSEs, including English and Maths.

Applications are now open with an assessment day scheduled for early July. Successful candidates will begin the course in September.

Alex Head, head of talent and development, said: “We are truly excited to be launching such a practical programme at Iglu Cruise.

“We invite local young people to apply to join one of the world’s leading travel brands, to learn from the very best and to receive a brilliant grounding in the world of work.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this opportunity to Portsmouth and hope it is the start of a long term programme.”