Qualifications
Your Successful Career In Business Travel
Business travel is a challenging business which offers exciting opportunities to the right people. The more knowledge and experience you have, the more interesting and responsible your job can be. Do you know how to get started, or what qualifications you could obtain to further your career?
Membership of the world's most influential travel trade organisation includes some of the biggest names in the business and many independent agencies. Its members handle the vast majority of the business house air traffic generated by UK agents. The GTMC has designed qualifications which are recognised throughout the UK and demonstrate the professional status of those who hold them.
The Qualifications
There are four levels, each suited to people at different stages of their career
Introductory - This is designed for people who have not started work in business travel and tourism and for retail staff who wish to move into business travel. The content encompasses air fares and ticketing, travel geography, rail services, car rental, ferries, customer service, hotel reservations, itinerary planning, office administration and technology.
For more information on the Introductory level please contact City & Guilds on 020 7294 2593
Consultant - This is for individuals with two years' practical experience in business travel. The content is similar in range to that of the Introductory level but in more depth plus interpersonal skills and business travel marketing.
Supervisory - This is for personnel who work in a supervisory capacity and is ideally suited for Consultants who wish to further their career. The emphasis is on a more analytical approach coupled with supervisory skills and business travel practices.
Course starts in July of each year
Management - This level is designed for people who manage staff and an agency or branch. The syllabus includes staff management, marketing, financial control, office systems and technology, law and office administration.
Getting Qualified
Each qualification level has a syllabus which sets out the knowledge and skills that you will need in order to obtain it. Details of the syllabus, and of the written exams, workplace assessments and other tests involved, are available in the form of a separate booklet for each level. These can be obtained from the GTMC (see Home page for address).
Training
Some companies run their own training courses, so you should check first as to what is available in your own organisation. If there is nothing suitable internally, you can contact the GTMC for details of its training programmes which may involve attending courses, private study or a combination of the two.
Registering For Exams
Written exams are held in June and December and must be applied for three months in advance.
IATA approved air fares and ticketing exams offered by a number of air lines and training organisations are recognised by the GTMC and are a requirement for a pass at the Introductory and Consultant levels.
After You Obtain Your Qualification
You will receive a certificate awarded jointly by the GTMC and the City and Guilds of London, and the entitlement to use certain letters after your name. Your employment and promotion prospects will be enhanced greatly by possessing widely recognised proof of your competence in your chosen career.