A course in travel and tourism could be your passport to an enriching future career, with Holmesglen offering multiple learning pathways including a course on the Free TAFE list and opportunities to study online.
Sarah Gillies, now a successful travel consultant, studied a Holmesglen tourism course alongside her secondary school subjects, and continued studying travel and after leaving school, to finish with a diploma.
What are the study paths for roles in travel and tourism?
Year 11 and Year 12 students can get an early start in the industry with the SIT30116 Certificate III in Tourism, delivered over two years as part of the VET Delivered to Secondary Students program alongside VCE or VCAL.
After gaining this qualification, Sarah progressed to the SIT50116 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management, further building on industry skills. She learned about customer service and sales, brochure production and managing finance and budgets.
“I use all these things in my everyday work life."
For career changes or post-school leavers, the SIT30116 Certificate III in Tourism is free for eligible students. It’s a great starting point to finding a job as a travel consultant, tour coordinator or booking agent.
The course develops your knowledge of airline reservations, fares and ticketing, and systems such as Amadeus, a central reservation system used widely in the industry.
If you’re keen to study online, the SIT40116 Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism will take about six months. You’ll take part in scheduled classes in a virtual classroom setting, so you won’t be left to sink or swim.
What are the main tasks of a travel consultant?
Travel consultants are responsible for providing current and astute travel advice to customers. They ensure a client’s travel arrangements are properly organised and help them experience enriching travel.
Since graduating, Sarah has undertaken trips to Indonesia, China, Canada, France, UK, and Fiji. She draws on these international experiences as a travel consultant at a major travel agency.
Sarah’s daily roles include:
- consulting with clients and guiding them through the entire booking process
- providing expert travel customer service
- booking flights and accommodation
- arranging tour packages and car hire.
What is the future of travel and tourism after COVID-19?
Domestic tourism is proving increasingly popular and is expected to grow further. As an island nation, international travel will always be central to Australia’s culture and economy.
According to Austrade, tourism contributed to close to 10 per cent of Australia’s export earnings in 2018-19 and the industry’s gross domestic product grew faster than the national economy.
In the years ahead, travel consultants will be needed to provide up-to-date information and expertise; helping contribute to the industry’s success as it recovers post the pandemic.
“I want to be part of rebuilding this incredible industry,” says Sarah.
Sarah’s advice for people looking to become travel consultants?
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“The tourism industry is an amazing industry to work in. It can be hard work, but in the end, it’s one of the most rewarding industries.
“If you have a passion for travel and are interested in exploring a career in this incredible industry, look into a course - it will give you a wonderful base to start in the travel and tourism industry.
“I truly believe I would not be where I am today without the support of my teachers at Holmesglen and my Holmesglen diploma.”