Ex-Hotelplan agency sales lead Franklin, who set up as a homeworker with Designer Travel earlier this year, joins AS on a part-time basis bringing 40 years of industry experience.

In her new role, she will work with employers who haven't previously employed an apprentice to help and encourage them tap into a new generation of talent.

"The idea behind Julie joining is to connect and engage with employers who have not hired an apprentice before or do not understand how you go about it," said Michelle Van Spring, Managing Director of AS Training.

"Julie will be working on building new business and maximising the apprenticeship pathways into travel. She is super passionate about giving back and helping open up career paths."

Franklin started her career as a trainee travel consultant and enjoyed a lengthy career in the agency sector before going supplier-side a little over 10 years ago when she joined Mark Warner before joining Inghams parent Hotelplan in 2018.

She announced in January she would be leaving Hotelplan after seven years before confirming in June she was "returning to her roots" by setting up her own agency business with Designer Travel.

Franklin joins AS in the lead up to the government rolling out an up to £2,000 apprentice hiring bonus for non-levy small and medium-sized businesses with an annual payroll of less than £3 million.