Vicky's story

Vicky did the BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism. She says the good thing about the course was the two work placements, which enabled her to get a feel for the job and made her realise it was the right career choice.

Vicky

Hi, my name's Vicky and I'm a travel agent at World Choice Travel in Sheffield. I did the BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism. It was a 2 year course at the advanced level. I would like to go on to do another qualification to become a trainer.

It all started at school at an interview with a careers adviser. I mentioned that I would like to travel the world, so she suggested a BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism; a 2 year course during which I did a couple of work placements.

One was at the agency I'm working at now. I started as a Saturday girl, I gradually increased my hours and my responsibilities and here I am now!

Vocational education suited me because I gained the theory and practical from college with the advantage of being able to do on the job experience dealing with customers and be able to earn some money.

The good thing about the BTEC course is that you do two work placements which enables you to get a feel for the job and made me realise it was the right career choice for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed my course. I feel really lucky to have travelled the world and met the people I have, who are still my friends today. It also gave me the confidence and skills that you need in the travel industry.