Background to the Scheme
ABTA, the Institute for Travel and Tourism (ITT) and People 1st (the Sector Skills Council for the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Industries) have been working together to develop the Accredited Travel Professional scheme (ATP).
The ATP scheme is a way of recognising individuals who have achieved high levels of customer service, product knowledge and professionalism. It is an accolade that will become the benchmark for professionalism in the travel industry.
The ATP is not a new qualification. Instead, the scheme recognises the qualifications and experience that those working in the travel industry already have. Once membership has been gained, it is retained through a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Aims
- To give those working in the industry a clear route for measuring their professional development
- To help people move forward in their career
- To demonstrate to customers that they are dealing with qualified professionals
- To support the business and commercial aims of employers within the industry
- To improve retention of staff within the industry
Levels and qualifications
The ATP scheme will have three levels :
Bronze over 1 years' industry experience with a NVQ at level 2/Modern Apprenticeship or 2 years experience and appropriate qualifications for those without an NVQ 2.
Silver four years' industry experience and relevant qualifications.
Gold seven years' industry experience and relevant qualifications.
Entry for those with experience rather than qualifications
Not all staff will have acquired academic or vocational qualifications during their careers. Some staff may well have built up their expertise through practical experience. Application for membership for people in this situation will be through submission of a detailed C.V.
Fees
Travel Uni have managed to secure a reduction in annual fees for all agents who presently take part in any of the Travel Uni training programmes.
Gold level - special price of £19.99 (normally £25) Quote code : TravelUni3
Silver level - special price of £19.99 (normally £25) Quote code : TravelUni2
Bronze level - special price of £19.99 (normally £25) Quote code: TravelUni1
For instructions on how to join the ATP scheme
http://www.a-t-p.org.uk/pages/public/pages/agent/joining/index.asp
Retention of membership
This will be through commitment to continuous professional development. Organisations may already be doing this through performance reviews and appraisals. CPD is the planned updating of professional knowledge and expertise throughout a working life. It is a commitment to being professional by keeping skills up to date. CPD may include attending training sessions or undertaking further qualifications. It may involve going on a FAM trip, attending the World Travel Market or reading the trade newspapers. ABTA will supply all the information needed to ensure that members complete sufficient activities to retain membership of the ATP scheme.
For more information on the ATP scheme http://www.abta.com/resources/accredited_travel_professional