Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series:  > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

A Travel Agent works on behalf of a travel agency to sell holidays, flights, insurance and other travel related products. They will assist clients in choosing their holiday and may plan and arrange itineraries and put together tour packages.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

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

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Business:

• City College Norwich
• East Coast College
• Suffolk New College
• The College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk College

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could do a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an 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.

Career tips

It may help if you have customer service experience and can speak a second language.

You can find out more about careers in travel from the Institute of Travel & Tourism and National Careers.

Career Path and Progression

With training and experience, there may be opportunities to progress into senior roles like: branch or call centre manager, operations director, regional director, managing director.

You could also move into other roles in the travel sector, like tour operating.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Travel agency manager
• Airline customer service agent
• Airport information assistant
• Call centre operator
• Customer service assistant

Required Skills

• excellent communication skills
• ability to listen and find suitable products to match the customers needs
• a genuine interest and desire to travel
• good IT skills
• good judgement
• excellent customer service skills
• organisational skills

Salary Range

£14,000 to £40,000