Hays Travel North West operates high street outlets in Birkenhead, Moreton, Prenton, Wallasey, West Kirby, Heswall, Bebington and Allerton in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports

An independent travel agency chain with branches across Wirral and Liverpool is looking to recruit 20 new apprentices.

Hays Travel North West, which has high street outlets in Birkenhead, Moreton, Prenton, Wallasey, West Kirby, Heswall, Bebington and Allerton in Liverpool, is looking for the next generation of travel industry high fliers.

The company launched its apprentice scheme three years ago and, following the successor those initial recruits, it is now looking for more talented people.

Retail director Lindsey Barber said: “We are keen to support a new wave of young people from the areas local to our branches and help them set off on a new and exciting travel career path.

“Seeing young people, from the communities we serve, flourish in our business and go from scratch to management positions within the stores has been very rewarding both personally and for the business.

“I started in the industry myself as an apprentice aged 16 and it is a fantastic career. It would be a great opportunity for a young person with an interest in travel because you do have to have an enthusiasm for the industry in order to be successful with us.”

Applicants do not need any previous experience in the travel business. They will first be required to fill in an application form and if successful, will be called forward for a one-to-one interview before a final decision is made.

Natalie Price is the Hays Travel Birkenhead manager and started off in the industry herself as an apprentice.

The 35-year-old mum-of-one from Prenton, who is currently supporting three apprentices at various stages of their training, said: “It’s a terrific scheme for a young person to get involved in because it is tailor made with all they are going to need to succeed in their new career.

“Right from the word go, they are dealing directly with the customers, learning new skills and it’s great to watch their confidence grow in a relatively short space of time.

For more information call 0800 2155045 or go to www.haystravel.co.uk/careers