The Newcastle agency has won the Apprenticeship category at the North East Business Awards, for which a ceremony was held in the city. It was given the honour after putting 20 young people through its scheme in the past four years, almost all of whom now have full-time roles in the business. Another six are due to complete their training this year with another eight having joined this year’s scheme.
Dawson & Sanderson’s apprentices are spread across the company’s 21 branches while completing a two-year programme delivered by Key Training. They learn skills including customer services, booking procedures and travel legislation while being mentored by previous apprentices who have now secured full-time positions with the firm.
On completion of the apprenticeship, the students graduate as full-time travel consultants with a level two Diploma in Travel and Tourism.
The agency’s managing director, Chris Harrison, said: “We are a north-east company and committed to investing in young talent. Many of our staff started as apprentices and have progressed through the business, often into senior positions.
“To be recognised as one of the region’s best apprenticeship providers is a fantastic endorsement of our programme. All our apprentices have given so much back in terms of their enthusiasm and add value to the branches on so many levels.
The fact that we have increased turnover since we introduced our apprenticeship programme in 2011 bears that out.”
Former apprentice Elle Whalley was runner-up in the national Wave Awards for cruise specialists. She said: “When I left school, I wasn’t sure what to do, but then I saw the opportunity to do an apprenticeship with Dawson & Sanderson and I’ve never looked back.
“The apprenticeship really suited my personality. It was hands-on and it involved working with people – which is what I enjoy most.
