How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become a travel agent
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You can start as a trainee travel agent and receive on-the-job training from your employer.
There are no set entry requirements, but a good general standard of education is expected. Some employers may ask for English and maths GCSEs or equivalent. Good geographical knowledge will also be helpful.
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Career tips
It may help if you have customer service experience and can speak a second language.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in travel from the Institute of Travel & Tourism.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- administration skills
- active listening skills
- persuading skills
- a desire to help people
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- talk to customers to understand their needs
- help customers find a suitable package holiday or plan independent travel
- make bookings and payments using online computer systems
- advise customers about passports, insurance, visas, vaccinations, tours and vehicle hire
- inform customers of changes like cancelled flights
- arrange refunds and handle complaints
- meet sales targets
- keep up to date with developments in the travel industry
Working environment
You could work in a contact centre or at a store.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
With training and experience, there may be opportunities to progress into senior roles like:
- branch or call centre manager
- operations director
- regional director
You could also move into other roles in the travel sector, like tour operating.
Current opportunities
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
TUI Retail Apprentice
- Wage: £13,530.00 Annually
- Location: Great Yarmouth
Travel Consultant Apprentice
- Wage: £12,480.00 Annually
- Location: Golden Square, Warrington
Courses In England
Travel and Tourism Diploma
- Provider: LUTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
- Start date: 05 September 2024
- Location: Luton
L2 Travel & Tourism Diploma
- Provider: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
- Start date: 02 September 2024
- Location: Fareham
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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