Kim Owen & Gay Julian
AFTA Travel & Tourism College SA / ATEP
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A love of travel and a desire for a new career direction led Kim Owen and Gay Julian to the AFTA Travel & Tourism College SA, to each complete their Certificate III in International Travel through the Australian Travel Education Program (ATEP).
As both were employed at the time, they chose to study by correspondence and found that the course materials which were sent, made the challenge of learning new and different terminology easy. They also found the support from the staff of AFTA ATEP via TAFE SA of great assistance throughout their studies.
“We commenced and found from the beginning of the course there was always a friendly, understanding and experienced voice on the other end of the phone who would answer any question” said Kim and Gay.
Kim commenced work experience on weekends at a travel agency and continued for two years. In december 2009, when the owners chose to retire and sell the agency, Kim and Gay decided to start new and exciting careers as owners of a travel agency. They admit that it has been a huge learning curve, but with the assistance of their staff, they are achieving what they had previously only dreamed about in the career of their choice.
“We would highly recommend AFTA ATEP/TAFE SA studies for anyone planning a career as a Travel Consultant.” said Kim and Gay.
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Carole Handel
AFTA Travel & Tourism College SA / ATEP
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As a young girl, Carole Handel loved to read about countries around the world. Upon leaving school, she entered the workforce in a variety of administration roles, along with raising her children.
Through the years, she began to experience travel first hand and after a four week trip through Western Europe in 2009, she decided to change her career path. She contacted Merilyn Ashenden at the AFTA External Studies Program and subsequently enrolled in the AFTA Australian Travel Education Program (ATEP) through TAFE SA to complete her Certificate III in Retail Travel.
She continued to work while studying by correspondence, studying on the train during her daily commute, in the evenings, or on weekends as time permitted. In January 2010, she commenced work experience with the team at Harvey World Travel, Emu Plains while continuing the study component of the course.
“Merilyn has been very supportive and encouraging and I’ve really enjoyed the course.” Carole said.
Carole has since graduated and is now working for the Best of Australia Travel Centres as a travel consultant – and loving it!
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Debra Hall
AFTA Travel & Tourism College SA
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I attended the AFTA Travel and Tourism College in Adelaide from May to October 2001. During those six months I was given a thorough foundation for my career in the travel industry through the guidance and support of a fantastic team of teachers and guest lecturers from all walks of the trade. With their help, I was lucky enough to gain work with Japan Airlines directly from my work experience placement (just after September 11!) - my area of choice. I am now working in Reservations and Ticketing, and am going on my first overseas trip to Japan shortly. It is the best decision I have ever made, and I love my new life!
Thanks for everything!
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Brie Koch - Blue Holidays
AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW
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I was drawn to the AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW after a recent trip overseas, and was keen to expand my knowledge of the world of travel.
I graduated from the AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW with a Certificate III in Tourism. Since graduating, I have been employed by Virgin Blue Holidays,which is full of AFTA students, past and present. There, we were given in-depth training of the business that is Blue Holidays. The course has given me the opportunity to meet new people through the friendships with students and teachers, and also a head start into the travel industry.
I would recommend this course for anyone that would like the opportunity to step into the Travel Industry.
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Carmelina Gambacorta
AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW
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In August of this year I completed The Certificate III course offered at the AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW. After having worked in the accounts industry for 6 years, I felt I needed a change in career. Working in the travel industry had been in the back of my mind for some time, so I chose the AFTA Travel & Tourism College to help me in this move, enrolled, and began the course in March 2003.
The subjects offered at the AFTA Travel & Tourism College are very accurate and up to date in their content. I found the lecturers to have valuable industry experience and were very approachable if assistance was needed. I now know why many employers look to hire students from the AFTA Travel & Tourism College.
After having completed months of study and exams together with a class of peers, I now feel confident that I have been given a solid foundation with which I can further my career.
As an added bonus; on my very last day at the college, I was pleased to receive a telephone call from a prospective employer offering me a position in a popular tour wholesaler company . I gladly accepted this position and am currently still working there and enjoying it. What a way to end off the course!
AFTA did live up to its words. The Director of Studies at the college sent out my resume to well reputed businesses in the travel industry and, after attending a couple of gruelling interviews, it all paid off. I have absolutely no regrets.
Thank you all at the AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW.
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Mark Grima - Globus & Cosmos Tours
AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW
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During my time at AFTA Travel and Tourism College I learnt many useful skills relevant to the travel and tourism industry. Skills ranging from office operations to knowledge of even some of the more exotic nations! Although studying at AFTA is very intense it is one of the most rewarding study experiences I have gained. Subjects studied cover all aspects of travel from fare knowledge, both on an international and domestic level, to geography of the world.
The job placement program at AFTA is also very rewarding. The staff at AFTA does their utmost to find you the job that you are looking for.
Personally, the job placement program worked wonders for me, getting me in the area of travel that I wanted. I, along with 3 of my class mates were employed by the same company before our course was complete.
I would highly recommend the AFTA Travel and Tourism College. You’ll find it a professional, friendly and fun studying environment.
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Robin F. Woods - Personal Travel Co-ordinator - DreamSeeker Travel
AFTA Travel & Tourism College NSW
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As a graduate of several tertiary educational institutions, I found the AFTA Travel and Tourism College NSW to be extremely organised and professional, with the subjects being taught by knowledgable and dedicated staff. The subject matter was interesting and relevant, and many topics were enhanced by guest speakers. Overall, the course was well-structured and, with the College's high standard of presentation and assessment, provided me with sufficient theoretical as well as practical knowledge to step straight into a great job in the travel industry.
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