08 October 2008

The Co-operative Travel Group signs up to career development scheme

More than 2,000 staff working for The Co-operative Travel Group are to be involved in a professional development programme.

The independent retailer has signed up to the Accredited Travel Professional scheme, developed by ABTA, in association with ITT and People 1^st.

It charts an individualÃ¢â¬â¢s career progress in the travel industry by recognising qualifications and experience.

Progress is recognised through a points scheme. Qualifications attained and seminars attended are all awarded Ã¢â¬ËœATP pointsÃ¢â¬â¢, which can take individuals onto the next level of membership, currently bracketed as bronze, silver and gold.

The Co-operative Travel managing director Mike Greenacre hopes that by endorsing the scheme, a universal standard could be established for the whole travel industry.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are 100% behind the ATP scheme, and by giving our support we want to encourage other industry partners in all sectors to come on-board to make this standard a reality,Ã¢â¬~ he said.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœI have long been concerned, that until ATP was formed, there was no formal industry standard to assist employers in recognising individuals with potential for career development.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIt is essential that in the future there is a much wider pool of talent to help create a more professional industry, recognised by employers and customers alike.Ã¢â¬~

His company joins others such as Carlson Wagonlit, Knock Travel, Sunvil, Hoseasons, Oasis Travel, ACE, Open University, Training for Travel, Intraining, Travel Uni and Online Travel Training, who aim to raise professional standards through the scheme.

The Co-operative Travel has initially pledged 530 learners to the scheme, but believes that ATP will be such a valuable tool in boosting standards that all employees should be able to join for free.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœBy helping to develop and joining the ATP scheme, The Co-operative Travel Group has sent out a clear signal that they are committed to high professional standards. This can only help to emphasise the importance that knowledge and expertise can bring in enhancing the reputation of our industry.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies