Firstly, thank you for your time and help.  This questionnaire will take about four minutes to complete.

Important: We are trying to get an idea of the kind of things the Academy could do to help employers.  It is essential that we show government the level of potential support the Academy could generate from industry, both in financial terms and in-kind. Naturally, none of your responses here are binding in any way.  We are trying to show government the potential employer support for an Academy We will not retain the information unless you wish to be kept up to date on developments with the Academy.   Finally, we are of course currently in an economic downturn.  The Academy would be established over the next 12-18 months when the economy should have improved. Please therefore base your answers on the future rather than current point in time.

Please click the next button below to continue.

1.  The value of the Academy to you as an employer The Academy has the potential to give you: · access to a large pool of skilled, qualified and more work ready individuals, reducing your recruitment and training costs significantly · access to new cutting edge training programmes, developed by employers for employers · discounts on existing training programmes, negotiated by the Academy (on a bulk buying basis) · a chance to influence and improve the way travel and tourism training is delivered by the education system · access to masterclasses in management, leadership and other key business areas delivered by leading employers in the sector · the opportunity to use the Academy brand to promote your business as an employer of choice to potential recruits and show customers you provide excellent staff training

	In principle, would you pay £100 per year to access this range of benefits and more from an Academy for Travel and Tourism?
		Yes
		No

2.  How could you help support the Academy? It is said that one of the greatest losses is the experience built up over generations that is often not passed on to new people coming through. The Academy will provide a unique vehicle for employers nationwide to share their skills, knowledge and experience to help develop the thousands of learners that will pass through Academy programmes.

	Which of the following would you consider doing to help support the Academy in your area? (Naturally you would not need to do all of the things you tick at the same time and would gear your involvement to your own business commitments).
		Taking students on Academy approved workplacements (2-3 weeks)
		Providing longer periods of work experience to Academy apprentices (3-6 months)
		Offering guaranteed job interviews (when you have a vacancy!) to people made redundant from other industries who have been through an Academy pre-employment programme to prepare them to work in travel and tourism
		Helping Academy approved schools, college and universities develop a curriculum to meet industry needs
		Work alongside other employers to develop and test Academy training programmes and distance learning materials
		Offer work experience to teachers and tutors to help them update their skills and knowledge
		Deliver masterclasses to Academy learners to share your own experience from working in the sector
		Offer a number of free places to Academy learners at training courses or events organised by your organisation

3. Group training scheme for apprentices The Academy could consider setting up a Group Training Scheme for Apprenticeships.  Basically the Academy would employ individuals on apprenticeship programmes.  Employers could then take on these apprentices for a set period of time (eg 3-6 months or more) while at the same time completing their apprenticeship programme and receiving an agreed wage. On the assumption these individuals are carefully selected so they are committed, capable young people, this could help provide industry with a steady source of skilled labour in line with fluctuating business demands and create a wider pool of skilled staff.  If an employer was not happy with an apprentice, they could ask for them to be replaced.  If very happy they could retain them and even offer a permanent job at the end of the apprenticeship

	Do you think employers would benefit from such a Group Training Scheme?
		Yes
		No

	Do you think there is scope for this in your own area (e.g. are there sufficient employers to make it work?)
		Yes
		No

	Would you consider taking an apprentice for a set period of time in your organisation?
		Yes
		No

	Do you have any other comments about a Group Training Scheme for apprentices? If so please add them below.

4. Any other comments

	Do you have any other comments to add on the vision to develop a National Skills Academy for Travel and Tourism? If so please add them below.

5. Keeping you updated

	Would you like us to keep you in touch on developments with the Academy over the next few months?
		Yes
		No

6. About you ...

	Your name

	Job title

	Organisation

	Telephone

	Email

	Which of the following best describes you?
		Retail travel agent
		Visitor Attraction
		Inbound Tour Operator
		Outbound Tour Operator
		Online Travel Agent
		Local Government/Agency
		Regional Government/Agency
		National Government/Agency
		Tourist Information Centre
		Other

	If 'other' selected, please specify in the following box:

	Finally, could you please indicate how you found out about this survey?
		ABTA
		Institute of Travel & Tourism
		Other

	If 'other selected, please specify in the following box:

Thank you again for your help. If at any time you require more information please contact Phil Raynsford at People 1st on 07769 643 218 or phil.raynsford@people1st.co.uk Please click the submit button below to complete the questionnaire.