The UK’s largest tour operator plans to invest £1.4 million into its Appoint an Apprentice scheme which is now in its third year.

In 2023, the scheme approved apprenticeships worth nearly £500,000, for 50 different companies, which saw them recruit 72 new apprentices.

Last year Jet2holidays provided £1.2 million of funding – more than double the first year’s amount.

In 2024, Admiral Travel and Craig Travel took part in the scheme, which resulted in an apprentice being brought into the business. The two brands have agency branches across Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Director Andy Nelson said: “The scheme has helped share some of the cost of recruiting a new apprentice, to give the apprentice the best possible start to a career in travel with recognised qualifications.”

It comes after eight travel agencies successfully pitched for funding to increase their retail presence as part of Jet2holidays’ Scale Up Your Street campaign. 

Alan Cross, Jet2holidays’ director of travel agent relationships, said: “We’re always looking at ways to invest into our independent travel agent partners to help them strengthen and grow their businesses.”

He added: “We are delighted to be rolling out the scheme for a third year and pledging our biggest level of funding ever. We recognise that apprentices are integral to the future growth and success of our own business, as well as the wider industry, and it is fantastic to be working with even more independent travel agent partners and helping them to thrive.”