Travel partnership transforms our learners

Hartlepool College recently launched an exciting new partnership with Seaside Travel, allowing our Aviation, Travel & Tourism students to gain hands-on industry experience with a professional travel agency right here at College.

The launch brought plenty of energy to the College atrium, complete with balloons and celebration cupcakes made by our Hospitality and Catering students, helping transform the space into a live travel-agency environment. As part of the partnership, Seaside Travel will visit the College every fortnight, working directly with learners as they respond to customer enquiries, research destinations, compare prices and help plan holidays in a real working environment.

Sharon Weatherill, Head of School for Service Industries at Hartlepool College, said:

“This partnership gives our students the chance to experience the travel industry in a real and meaningful way. Working alongside experienced travel professionals, speaking with real customers and helping research and plan holidays will build their confidence, strengthen their customer service skills and bring their learning to life beyond the classroom. We are really excited to be working with Seaside Travel and the opportunities this will create for our learners.”

The partnership also brings added benefits for staff and students, with exclusive holiday discount codes available through Seaside Travel on a range of breaks and destinations. Seaside Travel will be based in the College atrium every other Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm during term time, beneath the digital screen in The Atrium, where staff, students, and visitors can stop by for advice, offers, and support for learners gaining industry experience.

Paula Gleeson, Head of Business and Commercial, Seaside Travel North East, commented after the launch event:

"What an absolutely fantastic day we’ve had. We have spent the day talking to some of the students and hopefully inspiring the future generation of travel experts. We are so excited to say that we will now have a ‘Pop up shop’ based in the college and continuing to work closely with staff and students."

Seaside Travel will be in the Hartlepool College main atrium every other Thursday, 11 am – 2 pm, beneath the digital screen. No appointment needed - just come and have a chat, and support our learners along the way. Their upcoming dates are: