TAFE NSW and Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) have joined forces to launch a traineeship program to help students fast-track their careers in the cruise sector.

The program enables trainees to complete a Certificate III in Travel or Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism with TAFE NSW and secure immediate employment with CLIA member cruise lines or travel agencies.

17-year-old Lindsay Campbell is the first trainee to benefit from the unique partnership, completing her Certificate III in Travel while working as a Travel Assistant to Megan Catterall, a Masters-accredited CLIA travel agent, recently named Australia’s Home-Based Agent of the Year in the annual CLIA Awards.

“I started my traineeship right out of high school because I couldn’t wait to kickstart my career. I was drawn to the industry because I wanted to help create lifelong memories for people and discover cultures of the world beyond my own,” Ms Campbell said.  

"The cruise industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, so flexible study really helps you achieve balance. I can immediately put my knowledge into practice, revisit topics, and work at my own pace.”

This traineeship program comes at a crucial time for the sector, which is undergoing a resurgence worldwide. With travel bans now lifted, online advertisements for tourism jobs rose to record highs in mid-2022, many of which remain unfilled[1].

Joel Katz, CLIA Managing Director Australasia, said the traineeship program with TAFE NSW will offer a timely boost to the sector.

"This traineeship allows our members to grow and redevelop their workforces in the short term while investing in a pipeline of talented bookings, customer service, and reservation agents. Our membership body is comprised of over 60 leading cruise lines and thousands of travel agents, so we're excited to connect TAFE NSW students with potential employers and meet the growing demand," Mr Katz said.

In addition to their qualification, trainees will work towards their CLIA Accreditation, with access to the CLIA Learning Academy to supplement their development.

Mr Katz said that this is only one benefit of the partnership, with incentives cascading throughout the entire industry.

“Working with Apprenticeship Support Australia, there is great opportunity for businesses to attract skilled staff, while taking advantage of the government funding and incentives that are available now that Travel Consultants are listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.”

“It’s great to see young professionals like Lindsay contributing to the industry and achieving great success. I am confident that she will continue to positively impact the industry in the years to come."

Media contact: Vanessa Lista, Communications Specialist, vanessa.lista3@tafensw.edu.au, 0450 442 109.