Travel and Tourism/Aviation

Travel, Tourism and Aviation (Year 1) 

In Year 1 of this course, you will study the NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Travel and Tourism and will complete the following units:  

• The UK travel and tourism industry
• Customer service in travel and tourism
• Preparation for a career in travel and tourism
• Travel and tourism destinations
• UK passenger transport
• Investigating airline cabin crew
• UK visitor attractions
• UK Airports
• Storytelling in travel and tourism

To enhance the course you will take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential. Previous visits in Year 1 have been to the Eden Project, Thorpe Park, London or Disneyland Paris.

Whilst on the course you will need to demonstrate the personal qualities required for working in the travel industry, such as high standards of personal presentation, good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments. During your time at the Future Skills Centre a full industry standard uniform must be worn. 

In Year 2 you will choose your route and specialise in either of our 2 pathways: Travel and Tourism Industries Pathway or Travel and Tourism Aviation Pathway

Travel and Tourism Industries Pathway (Year 2) 

Choose this route in Year 2 if you wish to gain a further in-depth understanding of a variety of career paths in a range of sectors within the travel and tourism industry.  

In Year 2 you will study additional units to ‘top up’ those you have achieved in Year 1 and this will then allow you to achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism.

On this course you will study the following units:  

• The cruise industry 
• Travel agency operations 
• Resort representative roles and responsibilities  
• Conference and events 
• Specialist Tourism 
• Tour Guiding 
• Hospitality in travel and tourism
• Worldwide passenger airlines 
• Work experience 

During this course you will also take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential visit linked to the units you are studying. Our most recent residential on this pathway was a Mini Cruise to enhance the learning of the Cruise Industry unit. You will also undertake an industry placement to enhance your career prospects in a travel and tourism sector of your choice. This year our learners have taken part in a residential work experience at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park.

Travel and Tourism Aviation Pathway (Year 2) 

Choose this route in Year 2 if you have enjoyed the Aviation units in Year 1 and would like to pursue a career in Airports or Airlines. 

In Year 2 you will study additional units to ‘top up’ those you have achieved in Year 1 and this will then allow you to achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aviation.  

This course will allow you to gain a further in-depth understanding of the Aviation and Airline industry.  

On this course you will study the following units:  

• Worldwide passenger Airlines
• Flight operations
• Marketing for travel and tourism
• Health, safety and security in Aviation
• Airport terminal operations
• Airport ground operations
• Aviation communications
• Commercial airport operations
• Work experience

During this course you will also take part in visits to popular travel and tourism attractions and organisations and will be offered the opportunity to attend a residential visit linked to the units you are studying. Our most recent residential on this pathway was to Barcelona. You will also undertake an industry placement to enhance your career prospects in the aviation sector and conduct practical assessments at Exeter Airport and in the Jetsim flight simulator based at our Future Skills Centre.

Please note: This course takes place at both Victoria House and the Future Skills Centre based near Exeter Airport. The Future Skills Centre is a professional environment where full uniform will be worn to Industry standard.

You will be taught and assessed in a variety of ways, through written assignments, group work, presentations, as well as practical role plays.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths and a genuine interest in working the travel and tourism industry which you will be expected to demonstrate at interview.

You also need the personal qualities required for working in the travel industry, such as high grooming standards, good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments.

To progress on to the second year of this course you will need:

To have completed year 1 successfully

A positive reference from your Tutor for Year 1 is required which should confirm that you have had excellent attendance and displayed the personal qualities required for working in the Travel and Tourism industry throughout the year 

You should demonstrate consistently high standards of personal presentation and wear your uniform to standard when at the Future Skills Centre 

In lessons you will demonstrate good communication skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to complete practical assessments 

Students are expected to pay for a formal industry uniform to wear when studying at our Future Skills Centre at approximately £150.

A number of additional visits will be offered at additional costs.