BARRHEAD Travel, one of the UK’s largest retail travel agencies, are using this year’s International Women’s Day to spotlight the leading women in the travel industry.
Out of eight Directors at Barrhead Travel, six are women – Jacqueline Dobson, Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Caroline Donaldson, Wilma Taylor, Julie Taylor, and Linda Pyle – and Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, has shared her experiences and advice for any women looking to pursue a career in travel.
The advice comes after Barrhead Travel announced it will create a further 50 apprenticeship positions over the next 12 months across digital marketing, HR, business development, product and in each retail location following a record booking month this January.
Jacqueline started at Barrhead Travel more than 20 years ago as an apprentice and has progressed to President winning several awards along the way, including Scotland’s Inspirational Woman of the Year and the Contribution to Travel prize in the Travel Trade Gazette Top 50 Awards. Jacqueline said:
“I want to spotlight all our amazing women across the business this International Women’s Day. We’re proud to continue bucking the trend at Barrhead Travel with over seventy percent of our senior management team comprised of talented women who have worked their way up the career ladder.
“I’d particularly like to dedicate this year’s celebrations to our apprentices and those young women thinking about starting a career in travel. Most senior positions are still male dominated in the travel and leisure industry but I want to send a pledge to young women across the country to let them know that change is happening and they sky’s the limit when it comes to career aspirations.
“Opportunity should be available to everyone – no matter their background or education – which is why offering apprenticeships with real career prospects should be a priority for all businesses.
“Being a woman in business still has its challenges. But to be surrounded by so many resilient female leaders who are making waves in the industry and helping to pave the way for the next generation of women in business is really uplifting.
“Many will know I started my career as a trainee, and anyone looking to pursue a career in travel should look at the different opportunities available to find what is right for them. With robust training available, travel is once again taking its place as one of the most attractive industries to work in
“Here’s to the next generation of inspiring female leaders.”
For those looking to start career in travel, Barrhead Travel has committed to creating a further 50 apprenticeship positions over the next 12 months, following the success of the relaunch of its Modern Apprenticeship programme in 2022. Find out more about the group’s apprenticeship offering here: https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/careers/current-vacancies
