Apprenticeships
A career at Hays Travel can take you to new heights!
Our apprenticeship programmes put you at the heart of the action. Every year we take on apprentices nationwide; helping develop their potential, support their goals, and inspire their futures. You’ll learn, earn, and bring the sunshine to Hays Travel. Whatever your background, skills or passions, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore.
Our Promise to You
As a Hays Travel apprentice, you will get the opportunity to grow alongside the best in the business. We take pride in the award-winning programme we’ve created for our apprentices to succeed and be their best selves. With inspiring teams that want the best for everyone who steps through our doors, you’ll be supported throughout your journey at Hays Travel.
Our Programmes
Want to learn the ins and outs of business but don’t think College or Sixth Form is for you? Or maybe you want a head-start in your career by gaining valued hands-on experience in a specific field. Whatever your reason for joining us, there’s a perfect fit at Hays Travel. Learn more about our apprenticeship opportunities below:
Retail Apprenticeship
Our retail teams are at the core of everything we do. Showcasing sales skills, achieving targets, building lasting relationships with customers, and making their dreams come true. It’s in our branches where the amazing moments happen.
Our Retail Apprentices get to know our products inside out as they work towards their Level 3 Travel Consultant qualification. They help us drive new business and find the most effective ways to sell to our customers whilst developing their customer service skills to become a rounded member of our fast-paced retail teams. If want to develop your passion for travel, this is a perfect start!
As a retail apprentice, you will be placed in a qualifying Hays Travel branch local to you. Whilst beginning to learn about the business and how we operate, you will be provided with ongoing training and support to help develop your skills to flourish in a sales-driven environment. Working in the sales division requires hard work, resilience, excellent customer service skills, and a firm grasp of product knowledge. But we will be there every step of the way to help
Emmie's Apprenticeship Story
Confidence has always been a struggle for Emmie, but since applying for the apprenticeship, Emmie credits the Hays Travel Learning & Development team for helping to grow her confidence and realise her true potential.
“I have loved my time as an apprentice at Hays Travel, both my colleagues and the Learning & Development team have been so supportive and taken the time to answer my questions and support me through the learning process. I’ve learnt so many new skills, from general travel knowledge to time management, customer service and communication skills.”
Emmie loves seeing a customer smile when she helps them find their dream holiday and this feeling has motivated her throughout her apprenticeship, propelling her to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards!
Bobby's Apprenticeship Journey
Bobby was unsure of what he wanted to do after finishing his GCSEs, but now that he's six months into his apprenticeship, he is confident that he made the right decision in joining Hays Travel, and has found a lifelong career!
"When I was at school I had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished. I wasn't the biggest fan of school so I knew that I didn't want to go to college. I had seen an apprenticeship at Hays Travel advertised and I have always been passionate about travel since my very first holiday. Initially, I had always had the ambition of becoming a Flight Attendant, however since starting my apprenticeship, I don't think there is a better suited job for me than being a travel consultant."
Head Office Apprenticeship
Our Head Office in Sunderland City Centre is a hub of excitement and home to over 50 different departments. As a Head Office Apprentice, you will get the chance to work with some of these teams to support our Retail, Homeworking, Franchises, and Independence Group divisions. All whilst working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification.
You will be placed in a department where you can achieve your aspirations. Whilst beginning to learn about the business and how we operate, you will be provided with ongoing training and support to help develop your skills. Working in head office requires hard work, good resilience, and excellent customer service skills, we will be there every step of the way to help.
Join one of our Marketing teams and gain knowledge into how Hays Travel creates marketing communications strategies and find the most effective ways to sell to our customers both online and offline. From Commercial, Events, and Product, to Creative, Social Media, and Digital Marketing, we have some exciting apprenticeship opportunities.
Join our Finance department and gain hands-on experience in accounting and financial management while working alongside experienced professionals. With teams specialising in Payroll, Banking, and Forex, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to kickstart their career in finance.
Join one of our Support Services teams and gain knowledge of how Hays Travel works behind the scenes. Learn our selling systems software, understand our aftersales processes, assist with training new recruits in the business, or help to improve our customer services and support systems.
Lexie's Apprenticeship Journey
“When I got the apprenticeship, I thought it was going to be like school. However, I found that it was so much more supportive. The tutors were patient and adapted their learning plan to help with my ADHD. My Learning & Development coaches challenged me daily which made me realise they were there to help me. They knew what I needed before I knew and made me realise my true potential. Everyone believed in me here. My learning style was prioritised, and I was able to work at my own pace.”
Lexie's apprenticeship taught life skills and customer service along with passing her functional skills in maths!
“I love that my role is so varied! I’ve made friends for life and would love to progress in the company. Looking back now I don't recognise myself. I wouldn't be where I am today without the amazing support system I have at Hays Travel.”
Millen's Apprenticeship Journey
Millen joined us as part of the Product Team. His role in the Product Team involves sourcing offers for TV, social media, and WhatsApp and updating the Hays Travel website.
“My apprenticeship is mint! I have always struggled in a classroom environment. However, the smaller class sizes and 1-2-1 support at Hays Travel have helped me massively. Everybody on my course has felt comfortable enough to contribute and I’ve had a really good support system. I have learnt a lot of life skills, timekeeping, and organisation skills. And I enjoy earning while I’m learning. I’ve picked the role up quickly and really enjoy working with the people on my team. The atmosphere at Head Office is great. You should definitely apply, in Head Office there are so many different roles to choose from and the support you receive is amazing."
Reward and Recognition
Our people are what makes Hays Travel. We always explore ways to reward and recognise our colleagues in a fun and meaningful way.
Welcome gift of up to £200
Career progression and development
Unlimited bonus (Retail only)
Shopping discounts
Educational opportunities
Holiday discounts
Giving back to the local community
What do I need to apply?
The minimum qualification requirements for our Apprenticeship programmes are Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4 or above, or Scottish NAT 4 or above (or equivalent). We cannot accept any lower than this. Candidates are required to upload proof of their grades if they have already achieved their results. If you have not yet sat your exams, you would be required to have predicted Grade 4 or above in Maths and English.
If you hold a degree of any kind, please keep a lookout for our Graduate opportunities.
Are there many progression opportunities?
Yes, following successful completion of your apprenticeship, you can join one of our progression pathways such as Mentors, Rising Stars and Aspiring Managers.
We also have internal training available to support personal and professional development.
*Promotion opportunities and roles can change
What happens if I am shortlisted?
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to an in-person assessment event. These will be held at various locations around the UK.
What's the salary?
The entry salary for our Apprentices is currently £14,784 for the first 12 months, with annual salary reviews thereafter.
How long does the apprenticeship last for?
Your apprenticeship will last for a minimum of 12 months for Head Office programmes and 18 months for Retail programmes.
What qualification will I obtain?
For Head Office you will obtain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Qualification.
Retail apprentices will obtain a Level 3 Travel Consultancy Qualification.
Is there a guaranteed job at the end of it?
Provided you pass your apprenticeship, you will be guaranteed a role in your branch/department!
Do I have to go to college?
No, all training is done in-house by our award-winning learning and development team, with a mixture of classroom, digital and practical training sessions aimed at developing you in your chosen role.
What is the start date for the apprenticeship?
Our Retail Apprenticeship Pathway starts on the 28th July.
Our Head Office Apprenticeship Pathway starts on the 4th August.
Do I get holidays as an apprentice?
Yes! You get 5.6 weeks of annual leave.
Life at Hays