Travel Specialist Apprentice

Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Travel Specialist Apprentice to join our busy Fred. Holidays team. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in business, sales, customer service and travel and wants to develop their skills while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

As this role will involve an element of sales there is also the opportunity to earn commission based on performance.

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm or 10.00am - 6.00pm. Saturday (on a rota) 9.00am - 5.00pm. If working a Saturday shift you will have a day off during the week.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

No previous experience in the travel industry is required. We’re looking for someone who is organised, friendly and reliable with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in developing their career.

During your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

• Business administration and office procedures.
• Communicating professionally with customers, travel agents and colleagues.
• Using computer systems and Microsoft Office.
• Using a reservations and booking system.
• Managing information and keeping accurate records.
• Handling customer enquiries by telephone and email.
• Managing your workload and prioritising different tasks.
• Producing and following up quotations.
• Processing bookings and checking information is accurate.
• Understanding prices, payments and other financial information.
• Providing excellent customer service.
• Working as part of a busy team.
• Understanding how a tour operator operates.
• Learning about travel products, destinations and holidays.
• Understanding how sales and customer service contribute to the success of a business.

There may be opportunities to attend travel events, trade shows or consumer events to represent Fred. Holidays and learn more about the travel industry. Occasional travel or overnight stays may be required, with appropriate notice provided.

Where you'll work

Fred Olsen Travel
Fred Olsen House
42 White House Road
Ipswich
IP1 5LL

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

A S TRAINING (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

This is an Apprenticeship; the successful candidate will work towards the Level 3 Business Administration qualification which has an estimated course duration of 18 months. This will be a work-based Apprenticeship, therefore there will be no requirement for a day release to college.

You will have an allocated Assessor from an Apprenticeship training provider who will visit you in the workplace and provide 1-2-1 training, support, and guidance throughout the course. You'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with an award-winning cruise and travel brand.

With structured learning and support throughout your apprenticeship, you'll develop practical skills in business administration, sales, customer service, communication, organisation and using business systems. You'll gain valuable experience in a busy workplace while building a strong foundation for your future career in business administration.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Math's (grade 9-4 (A*-C))

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills