The Air & Space Institute in Newark was a hive of knowledge transfer, networking and industry experience yesterday as learners heard from the best professionals in travel and tourism.
More than 100 learners experienced immersive learning presentations from a variety of industry professionals, covering topics as diverse as safeguarding, corporate travel and the future of travel as a service.
Lecturer in Travel and Tourism at the ASI, Gabbi Hoy, said: “This was an amazing chance for our travel and tourism students, as well as those on pilot pathways to meet people working directly within the industry. The travel and tourism industry as a whole is predicted to grow exponentially over the next decade and so hearing from four professionals who have an insight into this is really useful for those about to enter.”
Speakers included:
Managing Director at The Advantage Travel Partnership, Andrea Caulfield-Smith, who spoke about her beginnings in the world of corporate travel as well as the expectations and differences between catering for different generations and their travel habits.
Director of Strategy at Advantage Travel Partnership, Lee Ainsworth, who talked about his start in the travel industry as a retail travel agent and how the industry has progressed, as well as the challenges the industry faces.
Aerodrome Safeguarding Officer at Gatwick Airport ,Mandy Purdye, who covered topics as diverse as planning applications close to airports, bird strike prevention, sustainability and more.
Keith Moran, Head of Security at Leeds Bradford Airport, who talked about the vast array of security processes and highlighted the dual nature of his role in balancing security with commercial goals as he helps operate a busy commercial airport.
Learners were also given a session on apprenticeships and were tasked with thinking about their career and CV contents from Careers Guidance Adviser, Jane Hall.
Andrea Caulfield-Smith, said: “It’s been great to present here today, the learners have had a real variety of experiences and I hope that it has been useful for them. The opportunities are out there and days like this are really going to start to make a difference in which direction they take in what is a very exciting industry.”
To find out more about travel and tourism courses at the ASI, visit the website.
