The foundation, which aims to raise the profile of careers in travel, only launched its crowdfunding campaign in June. In a further boost, Northern Training Academy has also committed to sponsoring one full-time employee over the next year.

The announcement of the funding for the Future You Foundation was made during the ITT Future You Awards ceremony in London, which celebrated the winners from both 2020 and 2021.

The initiative will now move on to its next phase which will see it develop social media campaigns and planning events for the next academic year.

The foundation continues to call on the industry to provide further support with sponsorship opportunities designed to help brands engage with future travel workers.

Jo Roche, managing director at Northern Training Academy, said: “It makes complete sense for us to sponsor ITT Future You’s very first apprentice to help with social media and other related initiatives to help to promote our fabulous industry. We are very proud and grateful to be given the opportunity.”

Other supporters of the Future You Foundation include Global Travel & Tourism Partnership, AWTE (Association of Women Travel Executives), C&M Recruitment, Best Workplaces in Travel and agency chain Miles Morgan Travel.

Miles Morgan, managing director of Miles Morgan Travel, said: “Coming out of Covid, employers in every sector are chasing a small pool of talent and we, as an industry, have to fight with every other sector to recruit.

“For me with this backdrop, ‘growing your own’ - whether it be with mature students or apprentices has to be the future route to take.

“I see ITT Future You as a key partner in me achieving this goal and having access to the very best talent for the future of my business.”