Amanda PhillipsModern Apprenticeship Scheme to Manager!
Barrhead Travel’s latest store, at the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow, opened earlier this year, with a former Modern Apprenticeship Scheme to Manager!
Ruaridh Wilson joined us in 2010. Each year, we take on around 50 young people across our branch network – we’re looking for a great attitude and personality, and Ruaridh fitted the bill perfectly. He’d been at college studying to join the Merchant Navy, but decided it wasn’t for him, so when a friend told him about Barrhead Travel’s Modern Apprentice scheme, he made the leap.
He began his career with us in the Canada department. Having travelled pretty extensively, far away destinations seemed the perfect match for Ruaridh and he soaked up knowledge of this huge and diverse country in the first 6 months in the department. “Getting to know all about the geography, activities, Canadian culture and holiday options was really interesting, and gave me loads of specialist knowledge,” he says. “I was also given a lot of coaching and training on the systems we use in-house, and we had separate training using role plays, which was good for helping us to understand the customer’s needs and ensure we gave the best possible service. I really enjoyed it.”
After just a few months, Ruaridh was ready to progress into a customer-facing, sales role while he completed his qualification. “I was in the Canada department for 2 years as a Sales Consultant, and I loved the complexity of the itineraries I put together, because we tailor-made every one for the customer. The most satisfying booking I made was for a large group – the attention to detail I needed was challenging but great experience.”
Ruaridh then looked to expand his knowledge, with a move to the Longhaul department, where he gained experience of other areas of the world and compiled itineraries to areas such as South America, Australia, the Far East and the USA. “I love learning and the best thing about travel, for me, is that you can never know everything – every day is a school day!” he smiles.
A promotion to Team Leader gave Ruaridh the experience of managing a team, which in turn led to him becoming Assistant Manager in the department. After applying internally for the position of Manager at St Enoch, Ruaridh was pleased to be offered the job. “Running a new store is an honour, but it’s also very hard work and a lot of responsibility,” he says. “I’m determined that it’ll be a success, and thanks to the fantastic team we have in the store, backed up by the amazing offers and technology that the company provides, we’re well on our way to achieving the goals we set ourselves when we opened.”
Young people are the future of Barrhead Travel – why not join us via the Modern Apprentice scheme? Contact [email protected] or call 0141 223 6655.