Training provider Talent Vista has worked with former Abta head of membership Danny Waine on the new Elite Travel Academy courses, which have been designed with options for both new-to-travel candidates and those looking to upskill or return to the industry with some prior knowledge.

"We originally developed the courses from the point of view of bringing new talent into the industry," said Waine, who linked up with Talent Vista last month after leaving Abta at the end of last year to set up his own consultancy business. "But then we started developing the idea further to offer opportunities for those already in the industry."

Waine said candidates will be able to choose from two different programmes – a nine-month level 3 diploma in travel and tourism, or a six-month, more vocational course. The diploma will have a minimum of three intakes per year, in January, April and September, while the shorter programme will work on a roll-on basis.

"If someone wants to gain a formal qualification, then the nine-month programme would be the best option for them,” Waine told TTG. "But if they already have an academic qualification, such as an MA in another subject, or they want a programme that is more flexible, then the six-month option would make more sense."

Talent Vista has designed the courses as an off-the-shelf offering for individuals, but can tailor bespoke versions for businesses want to build them into their in-house training.

Subjects range from customer service in travel, destinations, travel agency and tour operation, cruise, specialist travel, marketing and responsible tourism. Students will be supported by a coach to help them build their portfolios, based on the bookings they are making and the courses they’re taking as part of their nine-to-five job.

"Coaches will meet with students on a monthly basis," said Waine. "Their role is to guide learners through the programme and help them to pull together evidence for their portfolio."

’For travel pros by travel pros’

Industry training, e-learning certificates, fam trips and attendance at events can all be used as evidence for learners’ portfolios. Participants will also attend an online masterclass once a month, blending product and business training. "We’re conscious people will be doing this around their full-time or part-time jobs," said Waine. "We don’t want to make it too onerous.”

Upon completion, all students will receive a 12-month ITT membership. Those who complete the level 3 diploma will have the option to upgrade their membership to a new ITT Travel Professional category, giving them access to a special logo they can use to set themselves apart from the competition.

The courses have been accredited by the ITT following review by a panel of academics and industry experts. There will be special rates available for smaller businesses and those who are self-employed. Waine described the courses as being "for travel professionals by travel professionals".

He said they would allow experienced travel salespeople to upskill and receive the recognition their years of experience deserve, as well as give people who have perhaps excelled as salespeople in other sectors to gain a formal qualification that fits around their circumstances.

Development of the new courses follow calls for higher standards across the industry, and for travel sellers to be trained to minimum standards before being allowed to sell.

Speaking to TTG Luxury last year, Amanda Teale – founder of luxury lifestyle brand Minerva Private Travel & Lifestyle Management – said the profession was being "diluted" by untrained agents. "We’ve opened the floodgates to non-professionals,” she said.

’The travel industry should be for everyone, but not anyone’

More than 90% of the more than 400 respondents to a TTG survey on the topic said agents should "undergo mandatory training to improve standards across the industry", although opinions on who should take on the endeavour and police it were mixed – 39% said Abta, 23% individual agencies and 19% government.

TravelTime World director Ashley Quint said there was too much emphasis on promoting the agency profession as "an easy side job" and not enough on making it sound like an actual, professional career.