Cambridge Regional College Travel & Tourism students learn from holiday giant Thomas Cook

Travel and Tourism students at Cambridge Regional College had an insight into life as a resort rep – and the opportunities it can lead to – when a team from travel giant Thomas Cook visited the college.

Overseas team managers Mitch O’Donnell and Vanessa Boshell put the students through their paces with workshops, talks and tests – and then held a series of live interviews for holiday jobs in the sun, with three students receiving offers.

Lecturer Sally Broadwith said it had been fantastic experience for the students.

“Thomas Cook gave the students a real insight into life in the travel industry and the different career paths a first job as a resort rep can lead to,” she said.

“The team also carried out some live interviews for students looking for a holiday job – with three of the 10 students who applied offered positions.”

“A big thank you to Mitch and Vanessa for giving us so much time and inspiring our students with their talks and workshops.”

Vanessa said there were lots of opportunities available in the travel industry.

“The students were very enthusiastic – it is really nice to come in and see them at the beginning of their journey into the travel industry,” she said.

“If you start as a resort rep you can go on to all sorts of areas – working in head office or in retail – so it is a good starting point for a career in travel.”