The UK’s largest tour operator will contribute £5,000 towards the salary of one new apprentice per branch as part of its Appoint an Apprentice scheme. The total number of apprentice roles eligible for the £5,000 salary contribution is subject to demand.

Jet2holidays confirmed feedback from agency partners about the challenge of bringing through “the next generation of talent” had prompted the move. Agencies who are interested in accessing the funding must visit trade.jet2holidays.com. 

Jet2holidays previously announced a £500,000 apprenticeship fund to help agents develop their workforces.

Earlier this year, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays confirmed 70 new apprentice positions, in addition to more than 100 apprentices already in employment.

Steve Heapy, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief executive, said: “Our partnership approach is all about taking tangible actions to support independent travel agents, and today we are putting our money where our mouth is by investing into the next generation of talent at our independent travel agency partners.

“Apprentices are critical to our own success and growth as a business, and we have really enjoyed seeing apprentices develop and flourish within our company."

Heapy added: "We know that our valued independent travel agent partners will benefit hugely from this investment in talent.

“We believe that by collaborating in this manner, we can foster a stronger, more skilled workforce and create a brighter future for our industry.

“Investing in people is not only a moral imperative, but it is an important strategic step that strengthens the work we do together.”