The first graduates of Travellers Choice’s inaugural ProStart novice training initiative for new entrants are ready to take on the travel industry.
The TC ProStart program was launched at last year’s conference to address recruitment challenges in the travel sector.
The three-month ProStart program, developed with Cornerstone Learning & Development and supported by Travellers Choice’s preferred suppliers, such as Cover-More and Intrepid Travel, fast-tracks new entrants to become retail agency assets in less time.
The first 20 travel advisors have graduated from the inaugural program with another 30 novices set to complete the course in 2025.
Travellers Choice General Manager – Sales Nicola Strudwick said ProStart is a win-win for members and new entrants.
“Training a novice requires a significant investment of time and resources. By outsourcing that process at no cost to the agency, ProStart allows owners and managers to focus on what they do best – selling travel and servicing customers,” she said.
With the first ProStart graduates applying their skills to the workplace, Travellers Choice network agency managers celebrated this new solution to the industry’s ongoing recruitment challenge.
Weston Cruise & Travel Branch Manager Sonaii Witchard said: “Not only did our new entrants quickly gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel, but ProStart also provided them with a confidence boost and helped foster a sense of belonging and collaboration within the team, ensuring a smoother transition.”
All About Travel owner David Bantoft enrolled four new staff members in the program.
“As a result, they are now equipped to secure more complex bookings and use their own initiative to solve problems,” he said.
Capricorn Travel Manager Siobhan West said ProStart’s focus on practical learning and real-world applications was particularly beneficial.
“The program has been instrumental in equipping our new staff members with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their positions, contributing significantly to the growth and success of our agency,” she said.
Find out more at travelagentschoice.com.au
