GBTA and Virgin in Training Push

The GBTA and Virgin Atlantic are urging retail and business travel agents, as well as industry training specialists and college lecturers to attend a workshop on 25 th May explaining the new IATA-approved Virgin Atlantic/GBTA Fares & Ticketing courses.

The Guild and Virgin joined forces to launch VA1 and VA2 following a major shake-up of fares and ticketing syllabuses last September. The courses were among the first to meet IATA's revised specifications and over 2000 students have already been registered.

Taking place at Virgin Atlantic's offices in Crawley, the workshop will give agents and trainers the chance to discuss course content. Representatives from the GBTA, Virgin and City & Guilds will be on hand and VA1 and VA2 training materials will be available so agents can be given a “guided tour” of course manuals.

Additionally, the GBTA will use the workshop to highlight its Certificate in Business Travel (CBT) qualifications, backed by City & Guilds.  The CBT is offered at four levels – introductory, consultant, supervisory, and management.

Those attending the workshop can also find out more about government funding which is available for the VA1 and VA2 courses, as well as the Certificate in Business Travel.

And T&T Recruitment will be there to offer advice on employment possibilities in the industry.

“We hope the workshop will encourage both retail and business travel agents to adopt the VA1 and VA2 qualifications,” says John Williams, General Manager, GBTA. “A fares and ticketing qualification is a must for agents looking to further their careers, as well as travel and tourism students. It is also an essential requirement for the Guild's Certificate in Business Travel.”

The workshop is open to all agents, not just Guild members, but places need to be confirmed in advance. Anyone interested in attending should request an invitation by contacting Howard Bromley at VA course administrators CTHCM on 020 7612 0170, or email howard@cthcm.com .

 Marriott Hotels will also run a prize draw at the event.

Ends

For further information: Alex Kindell/Vanessa Aves, Brighter Group, tel: 0207 603 2168, email: alex.kindell@brightergroup.com

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