Current and former Travel and Tourism students at Derby College Group have been sharing their experiences of work placements during a special information event.
The event focused on opportunities available to students who progress onto Level three Travel and Aviation study programmes through partnerships with East Midlands Airport, Capita Travel and Events in Derby, Euro Camp and Tui.
Former student Zoe Whitley (18) spent last summer on a work placement in France with Eurocamp – an experience which has now helped her gain a job with Camp America in Denver this summer.
Current student Mollie Chambers (17) is on a one day a week placement at Tui in Derby and is hoping to secure a full-time job there when she finishes her study programme, while Demi Wright (17) and Charlotte Hutton (17) are also hoping that their work experience through the partnership with East Midlands Airport will translate into secure full-time work.
The programme is coordinated by David Gale at East Midlands Airport who said:
We have a great working relationship with Derby College and the students experience a wide range of roles at the airport to introduce them to all the career paths available.
Capita Travel and Events also partner with the College to provide work placement, mentoring and careers advice for students.
Among the successful former students who now work for Capita in their Derby head office is Rebecca Reilly (21) who is already progressing with the company.
Learning about the business travel market whilst at College really helped at the Capita interview and I can’t see me working anywhere else now.
Travel and Tourism team manager Sue Sharratt said:
We are fortunate to have fantastic working relationships with all kinds of companies who are committed to supporting young people into the travel industry.