Following conversations with members, TTNG recognised challenges around recruitment and the retainment of existing staff members.

The initiative was introduced in a bid to inspire the next generation of travel agents and help members take advantage of government-funded support.  

To encourage the take up of apprenticeships, TTNG has provided its members with a three-step process which includes creating an apprenticeship account, reserving funding and choosing a training provider.

Gary Lewis, chief executive of TTNG, said having "regular, open and honest" conversations with members is a "great way" for the association to tailor efforts to support them.

"One area that our members have sought support around is job training and apprenticeship opportunities, so we have done all the research on their behalf and facilitated the conversations with the training providers," he added.

In addition to the on-the-job training, apprentices will also receive a minimum of six hours per week external training.