Travel agent

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to use your initiative
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Travel agents book business and leisure travel for customers.

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

Location : You could work in a contact centre or at a store.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £27,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

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.