Continuing with our feature to profile different careers to help children and young make important decisions about their future career, this week we are featuring some of the various roles in travel and tourism.
The visitor economy in the Liverpool City Region is worth over £5bn, with over 50,000 jobs in the sector. With an airport, cruise terminal and venues hosting some of the world’s biggest events, there is a wide variety of potential career opportunities.
We’ve highlighted some of the careers you could get into if you’re interested working in travel and tourism below. You can find out even more via the National Careers Service www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Cabin Crew
Air cabin crew have a varied role that includes supporting airport staff to ensure the plane is ready for take-off, ensure passengers have a safe and enjoyable flight, and support during and following landing.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Air Cabin Crew, or study a cabin crew module as part of a broader travel and tourism course.
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a cabin crew advanced apprenticeship.
This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to airlines for a cabin crew job. Entry requirements vary but good customer service skills will be expected.
Port Operative
Port operatives work with cargo, passengers and marine craft in ports and harbours.
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a port operative intermediate apprenticeship. This apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete.
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for cargo jobs if you've got experience in warehouse work, operating mobile cranes or using forklift trucks.
You could also work in passenger operations if you have experience in customer service or travel.
Heritage Officer
Heritage officers support teams to take care of buildings, monuments and places valued for their cultural and historical importance.
You can get into this job through:
a university course
an apprenticeship
University
There are lots of subjects that can be useful for a career in heritage, including history, cultural heritage studies, building conservation and architecture.
A postgraduate qualification can give you an advantage when you're looking for jobs. You could study subjects such as heritage management or historic conservation.
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You can start out by doing a historic environment advice assistant higher apprenticeship.
English Heritage, Historic England and the National Trust are developing this route as an alternative to going to university. You would start off as a heritage trainee or technician.