If you’ve got great customer service skills and want to start work in an industry with plenty of entry-level opportunities and the chance of rapid progression, a career in travel could be just what you’re looking for.

The industry is tremendously varied and employers range in size from international household-name restaurant, hotel and travel groups to small family-run businesses.

There’s also scope to set up your own business, though would-be entrepreneurs are likely to be best off working in the industry to gain experience and understanding before striking out on their own.

This is an industry that offers opportunities to school leavers at both 16 and 18 as well as to graduates and those with postgraduate qualifications.

Whether you want to start earning or work your way up or pursue higher education and relevant further study, you should be able to find a route into employment that will suit you.

Some employers have structured their jobs and training so it is possible to progress from entry-level roles and gain qualifications along the way, or to join at a higher level if you already have the experience and qualifications needed. For example, it is possible to join McDonald’s as a crew member and progress to supervisory and management roles. This could lead to you being considered for McDonald’s foundation degree in managing business operations, which is awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University.

If you’re looking for a career where you can get on without a degree, the travel industries are wide open to those with the right attitude and commitment. If you’ve got stamina, can offer great customer service and want the buzz of a busy working environment, you’re likely to thrive and progress. Many senior executives in areas such as tourism and restaurant management started their careers at entry level, received training on the job and moved on to more responsible roles as they gained experience; the same could be true for you.

However, if you’re not a practical, hands-on sort of person who likes dealing with people on a regular basis, this might not be the most obvious career choice for you.

Hospitality and travel apprenticeships

Here are some examples of higher apprenticeships and training programmes open to non-graduates run by big hospitality and travel employers:

• Candidates aged over 19 can apply for Ten out of Ten, a 25-month training programme offered by 10 luxury properties in the south of England.

• Travelodge runs JuMP (junior management programme), a hotel management apprenticeship programme for school leavers who are at least 18 and have A levels.

• The Center Parcs ASPIRE leadership development programme supports managers and potential managers.

• TUI Travel runs a commercial apprentice scheme based at its head office in Luton, suitable for candidates who have completed A levels within the past year and have a minimum of 280 UCAS points.