Today hundreds of thousands of students will receive their A-Level results, with many more awaiting their GCSEs next week. Their minds will be focused on the next steps for their education or the career path they’ll follow. 

In a highly competitive jobs market, as an industry, we need to do everything we can to encourage school and college leavers to seriously consider a career in the travel industry, by highlighting the wide range of options available to build a rewarding and enriching life.  

 That’s why we’ve chosen this week and next to raise awareness on our social media channels with informative and engaging graphics, emphasising the exciting, challenging nature of the industry, which members can also use.  They can be found at #BePartOfTravel - Marketing toolkit | ABTA.  We also have a dedicated consumer page on our website which is intended to inform and inspire anyone looking to start a career in travel.  

Vocational training is also an important route into travel. Ongoing reforms by the Department for Education, as part of the introduction of T-Levels, mean that all existing courses at Level 3 (16-19-year-olds) in England will be defunded by September 2026. In response, ABTA has convened a group including representatives from across the industry, such as the BTA, ITT and UKinbound, as well as colleges, universities and educational providers, to develop new alternatives that can be submitted for approval. The aim is that these would provide continuity and ensure that a route into travel and tourism remains in place for young people.  

I raised this important work with the Minister for Tourism, Sir John Whittingdale, this week, and the group is meeting next month to progress this workstream. ABTA will be seeking vitally important input from members in the coming months, so please do keep an eye-out for updates in future editions of ABTA Today. 

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive