Earn while you learn with a Fred. Olsen apprenticeship

I started work as a Digital Marketing Apprentice here at Fred. Olsen Travel in 2017. I now have a full-time job in the eCommerce department after completing my course and learning the skills needed for the role.

Starting out, I didn’t really know what to expect, I had mostly thought of the generic tea and coffee making. When first meeting my team, I was quickly shown that this wasn’t the case, with the help of a mentor that would oversee my progress throughout and could help me stay on track, she has arguably been the main factor for my success while remaining at Fred. Olsen Travel and has even taught me a lot of life lessons that will stick with me forever.

During my apprenticeship I was able to tackle all aspects of the eCommerce department; from email marketing creation, graphic design, copywriting, webdesign and automation.  My team encouraged me to find the path that I most enjoyed and best suited my skills.

I know many people may be looking at this with a big decision; whether to take on an apprenticeship or not. I can proudly say that it has been one of the hardest, but best things that I have done.

I completed a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship within the Ipswich Fred. Olsen Travel Agents branch, choosing this route so I could learn on the job while earning at the same time. During my apprenticeship, I built confidence and gained valuable customer experience, benefited from regular apprenticeship catch‑ups and learning from previous apprentices at Fred. Olsen Travel. I also had opportunities to attend cruise ship visits and training conferences, which helped grow both my knowledge of selling holidays, cruises and my passion for the industry.

I now work in a different department within Fred. Olsen Travel and continue to use the skills, knowledge and experience gained during my apprenticeship to succeed in my current role.

My journey at Fred. Olsen began in August 2022 when I started a Level 2 Accounts apprenticeship. Through this role, I achieved my AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and developed a wide range of skills as an Accounts Assistant, including becoming more proficient in Excel, accounting software and core accounting practices.

My apprenticeship provided a strong stepping-stone, allowing me to progress onto and complete my AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. I am now continuing my development by studying towards my AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. One of the key benefits of my apprenticeship has been the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while securing valuable on‑the‑job experience, which has supported my long‑term career progression.

Alongside the professional benefits, my apprenticeship has also helped me grow in confidence within a working environment, which has had a positive impact both in and outside of the office. I would encourage others to consider an apprenticeship, as it offers the chance to gain qualifications while developing hands‑on, job‑specific experience that truly supports career growth.

As I come to the end of my Level 3 Marketing and Design apprenticeship, I can confidently say that choosing this route after finishing sixth form was the best decision for me. My apprenticeship at Fred. Olsen Travel has helped me grow in confidence both professionally and personally, while gaining valuable knowledge of the travel industry and marketing.

Apprenticeships are a great way to fully immerse yourself in a role, with the added benefit of earning while you learn. Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been supported by my team and training provider, helping me develop my skills, build confidence and work towards my career goals. One of the things I’ve valued most is being part of a wider apprentice community at Fred. Olsen Travel, which has made it easy to connect with others, share experiences and build friendships.

Working here has also given me some incredible opportunities, including attending the River View Conference in Budapest, a marketing conference onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 to Bruges, and touring a range of cruise ships promoted by the marketing team. Looking back at how nervous I felt on my first day at head office, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I’d highly recommend it - it’s a valuable stepping stone into the world of work.

Since joining Fred. Olsen Travel’s apprenticeship scheme as a Digital Solutions Apprentice, I’ve gained valuable hands‑on experience across a wide range of automation and RPA projects alongside completing my Level 3 Digital Service Technician course. This experience has strengthened my confidence and expanded my technical knowledge, allowing me to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Fred. Olsen Travel and found it to be a welcoming, supportive and friendly environment.

As a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprentice, my apprenticeship has been a valuable and rewarding experience that has helped me grow both professionally and personally. From the outset, it allowed me to combine structured learning with practical, hands‑on experience in a real working environment.

One of the key benefits has been the confidence I’ve gained. Working directly with customers, handling enquiries and booking a wide range of travel products has strengthened my communication and customer service skills. I’ve also developed important skills such as time management, teamwork, and using industry systems and procedures that are essential for a career in travel. Being trusted with real responsibility has made me feel more capable and motivated in my role.

This apprenticeship has had a positive impact on my career goals by providing a clear pathway into the travel industry, while allowing me to gain first‑hand experience and earn a qualification. On a personal level, it has helped me become more organised, professional and confident when dealing with different situations and people.

I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering this route. It offers the opportunity to learn on the job, gain real experience and develop valuable skills in a supportive and practical environment. As a qualified Travel Consultant, I continue to build on this foundation and widen my knowledge even further.

My long term goal is to pursue a PhD, and undertaking an apprenticeship equivalent to a Master’s degree is an important step towards achieving that ambition. I’ve always been motivated by learning and research, and this route allows me to continue developing academically while remaining fully engaged in practical, real world work.

Through my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to immerse myself in the fields of data science and data engineering, learning advanced concepts and applying them directly within my role. This has helped me understand not only how technologies work, but how they can be designed and used responsibly within a business environment.

From a professional perspective, the programme supports Fred. Olsen Travel in adopting AI in a fair and thoughtful way, helping to bridge the gap as the wider industry moves towards more data driven and AI led solutions. It encourages ethical decision making while ensuring technology delivers genuine value for the business.

On a personal level, the apprenticeship strongly aligns with my natural curiosity and drive to keep learning. It challenges me to think more deeply, explore new ideas, and build a strong foundation for my future in data, AI and research focused work.