News Release from Bury College

Students at Bury College who are studying Travel and Tourism are getting a great start in their careers thanks to the links the College has developed with local businesses.

Thomson Alfresco currently employs five ex Bury College students in its head office in Bury.  Vanessa Cunliffe secured employment at Thomson Alfresco when she completed her Advanced Diploma in Travel Operations and NCFE qualification for resort reps in 2004.  She began her career with Thomson as an Office Junior and has since progressed through the company to work in her current role in Recruitment and Training.  Katherine Knipe another ex student went to work in a temporary part-time post at Thomson Alfresco over the summer as an Administrator.  This position was made permanent in October 2010. 

In addition, Thomson Alfresco runs a recruitment programme offering students the chance to work overseas on their campsites.  On completion of her National Diploma in Travel and Tourism, Rhiannon Bury took up this opportunity.  She said, “I had an amazing time whilst I was away and already can’t wait to be abroad again.  I would definitely recommend Thomson Alfresco to travel and tourism students.  It’s such a great opportunity to get into the travel industry.  It is a hard job but you have a fantastic social life, gain independence and even save money whilst you are there.  Lastly thank you to the tutors for all your help and support whilst I was at Bury College.”

The College are also working with Cruise 1st, based at Salford Quays, to help students gain part-time employment whilst on their course.  Natasha Norton, Charlotte Murphy and Jessica Hynes have secured part-time work as Sales Consultants during weekends.  This will give them valuable experience and skills that will improve their job prospects and can be used on personal statements for university applications to show their positive attitude and determination towards progressing in the travel industry. 

Cruise 1st Managing Director David Rowlinson said, “We are delighted to be joining forces with Bury College on our new employment initiative.  We look very closely at our working partnerships and realised the calibre of student Bury College could offer outshone the competition.  It gives me great satisfaction to give opportunities to students to work in their chosen vocation.”

These opportunities give students an added advantage over competition when applying for work on completion of their course.  Ashleigh Yates, former National Diploma Travel and Tourism student, has secured a position with Jet2 working on the check in desk.  Ashleigh said, “The industry knowledge I gained at Bury College has been invaluable, especially the units on handling air passengers and customer service.”  Ashleigh is currently studying Tourism Management at the University of Bolton and wants to use her experience and qualifications to further her career in management at the airport.

Sarah Partington, Curriculum manager for Travel and Tourism said, “The BTEC Extended Diploma is an excellent pathway into many careers in the travel industry. We are very proud of our travel industry links and it gives us great satisfaction to see our learners achieve their ambition of a career in the travel industry.”

If you would like more information on Travel and Tourism courses at Bury College, please contact us on 0161 280 8280 or visit our website www.burycollege.ac.uk