Vocational Academy - Travel, Tourism and Leisure
Opportunities in the North West
As Europe’s most visited tourist resort, Blackpool offers plenty of career opportunities in the areas of tourism and leisure. This is still the case in spite of the economic downturn, which has resulted in more people holidaying closer to home. With Blackpool Football Club’s recent rise to the Premiership, the town’s popularity will rise even further. Hotels and leisure venues therefore will be looking for skilled and qualified individuals to deliver the high standards that will be expected.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 1
If you have completed a GCSE programme
- Travel and Tourism (Vocational and academic pathways)
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above or a merit grade at First Certificate or Introductory Diploma
- Travel and Tourism (Vocational and academic pathways)
Level 3
If you have 5 passes at GCSE grade C or above (including English Language and/or Maths) or a merit grade at First Diploma (eg BTEC)
- Travel and Tourism (Vocational and academic pathways)
Career Low-Down
| Career area | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Agent | Promote and sell holidays and other travel services, such as airline tickets, car hire or foreign currency. | From around £10,500 to £30,000 or more a year at senior levels. | A Level 3 qualification will put you at an advantage when applying for posts. |
| Holiday Representative | Look after guests at resorts, usually abroad, ensuring guests' holidays are enjoyable and safe. | Around £550 to £650 a month, rising to £18,000 a year for managers and representatives in charge. | A relevant Level 3 qualification, together with a foreign language and customer service experience will help. |
| Tour Manager | Accompany groups of tourists on holidays. Make sure all the arrangements run smoothly and provide sightseeing information. | From around £16,000 to £28,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification will put you at an advantage when applying for posts. |
| Entertainment Manager | Plan and organise events and activities at hotels, clubs, leisure centres, on cruise ships and for local councils or venues. | From £15,000 to more than £35,000 a year. | A Level 3 qualification will put you at an advantage when applying for posts. |
| Customer Service Assistant/Manager | Act as a link between customers and other departments, and make sure customers have a positive experience. | £10,000 to £15,000 a year for assistants and £16,000 to £40,000 a year for managers. | Some organisations run customer services manager training schemes. A Level 3 qualification or higher is usually required. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Jenny Harvey
Age: 23
High school: Baines
Course: AVCE Travel and Tourism then BA (Hons) Resort Tourism Management
Why College?
I originally wanted to be an air hostess so I wanted to study a tourism related subject.
What’s good?
The tutors push you and really bring out the best in people. I also made lots of good friends.
What’s best?
My placement was really enjoyable and a massive stepping stone as it led to a full-time job for me.
What now?
I’m an Events Executive at Visit Blackpool and I’ve worked on the Royal Variety Performance and Illuminations Switch On amongst other exciting events.
