The programme will allow students the chance to complete the Certificate in less than 6 months, and it is primarily designed for seasonal tourism workers and for anyone who has not yet been able to find a suitable course for Session 2015/16.

Angus Ferguson, Curriculum and Quality Leader for Hospitality and Tourism in the Clydebank Campus, believes the course is ideal for people who are employed in seasonal positions in the Travel and Tourism. Angus said, “Starting the course in October means that people who are currently working in seasonal jobs have the opportunity to come on to a college course when their seasonal jobs come to an end. Because this course can be completed in less than 6 months it means that students can complete their studies in time to take up jobs again at the start of next season. Travel and Tourism is still a highly seasonal industry so it makes sense to run courses which tie in with the needs of the industry.”

The full-time course is eligible for bursary funding, and students will be able to achieve the 12 Credits required to achieve the SQA National Certificate Travel and Tourism Group Award at Level 6 by the middle of March.  

Michelle Wright, Travel and Tourism lecturer in  at the Clydebank Campus said, “The course gives students the chance to develop their skills and improve their employment prospects and also increase their qualifications. The Group Award is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification which prepares students for jobs in all areas within the industry.”  

Although the Group Award can be achieved by March, there will also be the option for students to extend their course in order to achieve the additional NC units which will allow them to progress to the Higher National Certificate. Students can choose to stay on the course from March until June in order to gain the additional credits they need to get on to West College Scotland’s HNC in Travel and Tourism which will start in August 2016. 

As well as people who have been working in seasonal jobs, the course is also suitable for anyone who was unable to find a course in August. Angus Ferguson said,  “The October start means that people who didn’t manage to find a course in August, or who maybe started a course that didn’t suit them, now have the chance to start something else, rather than waste the rest of the year.”

Angus Ferguson added, “Travel and Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and offers a wide range of careers at home and abroad. 

For more information on the course and to apply click here. 

This course is a great opportunity for anyone who’s interested in furthering their career and it allows students to use the next few months to improve their skills and qualifications and be in a position to take up jobs at the start of next season.