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Applications open NOW! $250 boost for regional apprentices and trainees

• Applications open NOW! $250 boost…

More than 50,000 regional apprentices and trainees can now apply for the NSW Nationals’ $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card.

The initiative will help ease budget pressures for apprentices, trainees, and university students in the bush, covering the cost of fuel, taxis, and public transport.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the card was a win for apprentices and trainees hard at work in restaurants, childcare centres, and on farms and construction sites across regional NSW.

“It’s a $250 boost that will ease the cost of filling up the tank or catching transport to work or class for thousands of people working towards their future career,” Mr Toole said.

“This is not just an investment that is putting fuel in the tank of apprentices and trainees now. This is an investment that is fuelling the training of the workforce our regional businesses need for the future.

“Our Regional Seniors Travel Card has proven successful, delivering more than one million cards and injecting $196 million into regional economies since its launch in 2019, and we believe this card will be just as successful.”

Nationals’ Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said eligible apprentices and trainees who apply will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks.

“The NSW Nationals want to get this $250 in the back pockets of our apprentices and trainees to help lower the costs of travel and boost their budgets,” Mr Farraway said.

“Last month we launched a pilot of the card in Dubbo which allowed us to fine-tune the application process ahead of today.

“Our Government has built a strong economy so we can roll out budget boosting initiatives just like this, supporting country people with the rising cost of living will keep our state moving.”

Luke Prentice, who was one of a group of apprentices and trainees who took part in a trial roll out of the card in Dubbo last month said he has already seen the benefits of the initiative.

“As part of the Dubbo trial I received my card in January which was perfect timing for me and my young family as the extra $250 help coming soon after Christmas was much appreciated,” Mr Prentice said.

“I have used my card to pay for fuel for my vehicle which I use to get to work and training as an apprentice electrician. With fuel prices high at present, among the other costs of living, the card is a welcome boost to our budget.”

Applications for university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confirmed. Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card.

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024.

More details about eligibility and how to apply can be found at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/regional-apprentice-and-university-student-travel-card

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Students, trainees and apprentices in regional nsw to receive $250 travel card for travel, kmart toy recall over fears it could cause severe injury and even death.

University students, apprentices and trainees living in regional NSW will soon have access to $250 worth of free travel as the government launches a card to cut the cost of their commute.

The card will cover the cost of public transport or fuel for students, who are already under strain from cost of living pressures, Deputy Premier and Regional NSW Minister Paul Toole said Sunday.

“Apprentices and university students in the bush often need to travel long distances for work or between training, classes and practical learning - this is about easing that burden,” Toole added.

The prepaid debit card can be used on public transport, petrol, Opal card top ups, taxi rides, electric charging stations and privately operated coaches, and will become available from next year.

Apprentices will be able to apply for the card in February, and university students will be eligible to apply in April.

The travel card is being rolled out for a two year trial period, Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said.

To access the card, students must reside in a regional area outside Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, be between the ages of 16 and 66 and six months old, be undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship registered with Training Services NSW or an undergraduate university course that is full time and face to face.

They must also meet citizenship or permanent residency requirements.

The program builds on the government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card, which has been taken up by more than one million seniors, adding $200 million to the NSW economy.

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A new $250 travel card for regional university students and apprentices will be trialled by the NSW government to help ease the cost of getting to school or work.

The prepaid $250 debit card can be used to pay for taxis, fuel, Opal card top ups, public transport, privately-operated coaches, and electric vehicle charging stations.

The program will be rolled out to apprentices who live in a regional location as part of a two-year trial with applications open from February 2023.

In April, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program will expand to regional university students.

“We’re investing in the tradies, teachers, and technicians of tomorrow,” he said.

“We know apprentices and university students in the bush often need to travel long distances for work or between training, classes and practical learning – and this is about easing that burden.

“It puts $250 in their pocket to help them cover the cost of filling up the tank or catching public transport to campus.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the program will be available to people between 16 and 66 years old.

“Whether you’re a 16-year-old mechanic apprentice or a 60-year-old university student studying teaching, if you live in the bush you may be eligible for the travel card,” Mr Farraway said.

“Putting more money back into the pockets of apprentices and uni students is one way the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families,” he said.

“We know supporting regional apprentices and university students through this initiative will make a difference.”

Eligibility requirements

– Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

– Live in a regional location outside Greater Sydney and the Newcastle and Wollongong City Council boundaries

– Be between the ages of 16 and pension age (currently 66 and 6 months)

– Be undertaking an active apprenticeship or traineeship registered with Training Services NSW or an undergraduate university course.

– Courses must be full-time and face-to-face

– Be enrolled in an eligible campus (selected campuses are still being defined)

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Apprentice or trainee

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Find out if you're eligible to apply as an apprentice or trainee

Apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card

Apply as an apprentice or trainee

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Order a Concession Opal card if eligible for concession fares

about Transport Concession Entitlement Card

If you are an eligible apprentice or trainee, a Transport Concession Entitlement Card is your proof of entitlement to concession fares on public transport in NSW.

A Transport Concession Entitlement Card is required as proof of entitlement  when travelling on a concession fare within the Opal network as well as when booking concession travel on NSW TrainLink Regional services.

Terms and conditions

Eligibility.

You are eligible to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card if you are registered with Training Services NSW and in an active apprenticeship or new entrant traineeship approved by them.

To apply for your Transport Concession Entitlement Card, you will need:

• your personal details
• your training contract ID (TCID) number.

Next, consider where you need to travel:

• If you need to travel in rural/regional NSW, just apply for your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you need to travel in the Opal network, once you have a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card, you can apply for a Concession Opal card, giving you access to concession fares. Find out how to order your Concession Opal card .

How to apply:

• Select the 'Apply online' button
• Select the entitlement type as 'Apprentice or Trainee'.
• Enter your TCID number.
• Complete the form and submit your application.

The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is issued free of charge.

Apply online

Renew a Transport Concession Entitlement Card

The Transport Concession Entitlement Card for Apprentices and Trainees is valid up to 31 March of each year.

How to renew:

• Select the 'Renew online' button
• Select the entitlement type 'Apprentice or Trainee' and enter your TCID number.
• Complete the online application.

Please note:

• You can renew your card free of charge provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. 
• You can renew your card online up to 30 days before it expires.
• You can renew your card after it expires, but you'll need to travel on a full adult fare until your new card arrives. If you travel with a Concession Opal card without a proof of concession entitlement you can be fined.
• The renewal process is not automatic - you have to request a new card.

Renew online

Replace a lost or stolen card

If your Transport Concession Entitlement Card has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement online, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.

How to replace

• Select the 'Replace online' button
• If you have lost your Transport Concession Entitlement Card within the first 14 days of your application, you will need to submit a request online for a replacement Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• A card replacement fee may apply.
• You will need to travel on a full adult fare  until your replacement Transport Concession Entitlement Card arrives. If you travel with a Concession Opal card without a proof of concession entitlement you can be fined.
• If the lost or stolen card is due to expire within 30 days, you need to renew your card and be reassessed for eligibility .

Replace online

Change or update your details

If you have changed your name, address, email address, phone number or title, you can update your details for your Transport Concession Entitlement Card online.

Update your details

• Select the 'Update my details' button
• Complete the online form to update your details

Update my details

booking Ticket options

You must carry your Transport Concession Entitlement card as proof of entitlement or you may be fined .

Concession fares are not available on private ferries, event shuttles buses, chartered bus services or Great Southern Rail services.

Check with your local transport operator to find out if you're entitled to concession fares on privately-operated local bus services

opal Sydney and surrounds

In the Opal network, if you are an eligible apprentice or trainee and have a Transport Concession Entitlement Card , you can apply for a Concession Opal card to travel on concession fares.

If you do not have your Transport Concession Entitlement card as proof of entitlement, you are required to pay for and travel with an Adult fare . You cannot travel with a Child/Youth Opal card or Child/Youth Opal single tickets.

How to get your Concession Opal card

• Check the eligibility requirements .
• Apply on the Opal website . You will need your Training Contract ID number (TCID) as provided by Training Services NSW.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, your concession Opal card will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 working days. You'll then need to activate your Opal card .

For a replacement Concession Opal card, call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL) . A replacement fee may apply.

Sydney Airport train station access fee

Your Transport Concession Entitlement Card together with your Concession Opal card entitles you to a concession Sydney Airport station access fee when travelling to or from the airport train stations.

regional-train coach Regional NSW

In regional NSW, eligible apprentices and trainees are entitled to concession fares on NSW TrainLink Regional services.

When making a booking for concession travel on NSW TrainLink Regional services , you’ll need to quote your Training Contract ID (TCID) number, which is printed on the back of your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.

• A Transport Concession Entitlement Card is not a ticket for travel. A valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card entitles you to purchase concession fares on public transport within NSW.
• When travelling on Opal services, you must use your Concession Opal card issued to you by Transport for NSW to pay for your journey and carry your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card to demonstrate your proof of entitlement to the concession fare.
• When travelling on Opal services using your Concession Opal card, you must produce your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card upon request by a bus driver, Revenue Protection Officer or Police. Failure to produce your Transport Concession Entitlement Card upon request may result in a fine being issued to you.
• When travelling on other services, you must show your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card to purchase a ticket at the concession fare. You must continue to carry your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card at all times when travelling on a concession fare and produce it upon request by a bus driver, Revenue Protection Officer or Police. Failure to produce your Transport Concession Entitlement Card upon request may result in a fine being issued to you.
• be registered with Training Services NSW as an apprentice or new entrant trainee; and
• continue to be in an active apprenticeship or traineeship approved by Training Services NSW.
• Your eligibility for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card will be verified by Training Services NSW.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is not transferable and must only be used by you. You must not allow other people to use your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• Your Transport Concession Entitlement Card is valid for up to 15 months after it is issued, subject to you continuing to meet the eligibility criteria. The expiry date is printed on the back of your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you still meet the eligibility criteria you can renew your Transport Concession Entitlement Card up to 30 days before expiry. Applications for new cards can be made online at transportnsw.info/apprentice-trainee . It is your responsibility to renew your Transport Concession Entitlement Card and you may be fined if you travel without having a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria you will no longer be entitled to concession fares, and will no longer be able to use your Concession Opal card (if you have one), and must no longer use your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If your Transport Concession Entitlement Card is lost or stolen you can apply for a replacement card which, subject to you still being eligible, will have the same expiry date as your previous card. Applications for replacement cards can be made online at  transportnsw.info/apprentice-trainee . A card replacement fee may apply.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card remains the property of Transport for NSW.
• You must pay a full adult fare if you do not hold a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card. This includes if you are waiting for a replacement card or a new card.

Privacy notice

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information in accordance with the  Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998  (NSW) and the  Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002  (NSW).

We collect, hold and use personal information for specific purposes relevant to our functions. Personal information you provide in relation to your application is collected for the purpose of administering and managing your Transport Concession Entitlement Card and Concession Opal card, and for directly related purposes such as audit, management and operational activities for concession travel.

You may choose not to provide your personal information or health information. However this may mean that it is not possible or practicable for us to deal with your application for concession travel. Refusal to provide your information may mean that we cannot issue you with a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.

In applying for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card you authorise and understand that:

TfNSW will not otherwise disclose your personal or health information unless you consent, or we are permitted or required to by law.

Where TfNSW engages contractors to assist us in providing our services to you, we generally engage them under contract terms that ensure that they use personal information solely for the purpose of fulfilling their contract with us. We also generally require them to manage the personal and health information that they hold on our behalf in a way that complies with the NSW privacy laws. For information about how your personal information is collected, used and disclosed by us please see our Privacy Policy at  www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about/privacy .

For information about how your personal information is collected,used and disclosed in the Opal ticketing system, read our Opal Privacy Policy at  transportnsw.info/opal-privacy-policy .

Transport for NSW will keep your information at 18 Lee Street, Chippendale NSW 2008. You can ask to access or amend your personal information held by us at any time during business hours, by contacting  [email protected] or PO Box K659 Haymarket NSW 1240 .

• TfNSW will use the information provided in the application to verify your eligibility for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card with Training Services NSW, including re-verifying your entitlement from time to time.
• TfNSW may disclose your personal and health information to Training Services NSW, and that Training Services NSW will use information you provide to TfNSW to confirm your eligibility for concession travel.
• This authorisation remains valid while you are a customer of TfNSW, unless you withdraw it by contacting TfNSW.
• If you withdraw your authorisation you may not be eligible for concession travel.

These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time. Any changes will take effect when they are published on our website.

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London apprentices to receive 30% travel discount

It has been announced today that apprentices will receive a 30% discount on Transport for London travel cards, which could total discounts of up to £660 per year.

The announcement comes as part of a scheme launched to encourage school leavers to enrol on apprenticeships.

The discount will apply to bus, tram and tube journeys in the city and apprentices will need to be enrolled on a training course for a minimum of twelve months to be eligible.

The scheme is designed to contribute to the government's plan to create 100,000 apprenticeships by the end of the year.

Boris Johnson made a statement declaring that: "London's apprentices are now providing a fantastic contribution to our economy and it's only right that they are recognised for their hard work and commitment."

Interested in becoming an apprentice? For more information and opportunities to enrol, join us for our apprenticeship open day on 31st May 2013.

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Apply for a transport concession entitlement card as an apprentice or trainee

Introduction.

If you're an apprentice or trainee registered with Training Services NSW and in an active apprenticeship or traineeship, you're entitled to concession rates when travelling on public transport in NSW.

You can apply online for a transport concession entitlement card, and together with a concession Opal card, you'll pay reduced fares on trains, buses, most ferries, and light rail.

Eligibility

You must be registered with Training Services NSW as an apprentice or trainee.

What you need

• your personal details
• your training contract ID (TCID) number.

How to apply

• Select the 'Apply online' button.
• Select the entitlement type.
• Enter your TCID number.
• Complete the online application.

More information

Your transport concession entitlement card is free and:

• valid for up to 15 months as long you’re still eligible. You need to apply to renew it by 31 March every year.
• is proof of your entitlement, and you need to carry it with you whenever you're travelling.
• also entitles you to concession fares on regular local bus services outside the Opal network – check with your  Local Transport Operators  to find out if you're entitled to concession fares on privately operated local bus services.
• together with your concession Opal card entitles you to a concession Sydney Airport station access fee.
• does not entitle you to concession fares on fast ferries between Manly and Circular Quay, event shuttle buses, charter bus services or Great Southern Rail services.
• Concession fares for apprentices and trainees
• Opal for apprentices and trainees

Related transactions

• Apply for a concession Opal card as an apprentice or trainee
• Renew a transport concession entitlement card (apprentices/trainees)
• Replace a lost or stolen transport concession entitlement card (apprentices/trainees)

Regional NSW student travel card welcome but concerns it misses first big move

The New South Wales opposition says it is "odd" the government's promised Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card will not be in the pockets of students until April.

Key points:

• The government announces plans to give all regional apprentices and uni students a $250 travel card
• The opposition says the April delivery for uni students misses the initial and most costly transfer
• NUS says students in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong miss out

The government unveiled plans for the $250 prepaid debit card in last June's budget.

Shadow regional roads minister Jenny Aitchison said handing out the card in April meant many students would miss out on using the funds for their initial move out of home in time for starting TAFE or university.

"It seems quite odd that the trial, or commencement, won't start until April 2023, which is when students will have made some of their initial and most costly transfer to university," Ms Aitchison said.

"The first couple of months of a student's life is when they have to get tools, textbooks; they have to get themselves to their university.

"That is when they should be getting the support, not months later."

While allocating $59 million to the plan, more details were not revealed till October, when the government announced the prepaid debit card could be used on public transport, petrol, Opal card top-ups, taxi rides, electric charging stations and privately operated coaches.

It was modelled on the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

On Friday, the government announced 100 apprentices in Dubbo would be the first to trial the card from April.

To access the card, students must meet the following criteria:

• be from a regional area outside Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong
• be aged between 16 and 66.5 years
• be either undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship registered with Training Services NSW, or
• be undertaking an undergraduate university course that is full-time and face to face

"It's a great announcement, but there is not a lot of thought in how it's been implemented," Ms Aitchison said.

Delay for uni census

Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway defended the timeline and said the card would be available when students needed it.

"Our apprentices will have their cards in their wallet spending it on public transport, spending at fuel stations, for getting to their TAFE campuses, by early March," Mr Farraway said.

"What I can say is we're unable to launch the university students at the same time [as TAFE students] because we need the census data and the enrolment phase to be completed for the applications to start."

Ms Aitchison said she was also concerned the absence of electronic ticketing on public transport in some country areas would mean the rollout would not work very well.

"You'll have students with cards that they can't use on public transport because there is no electronic ticketing but they'll be able to catch an uber or a taxi — it doesn't make sense," she said.

Ms Aitchison was also disappointed students from metro areas who decided to study at regional universities would miss out.

"They won't be eligible because their residential address will be in Sydney or in metro Newcastle or Wollongong," she said.

"We are concerned the government hasn't thought this through."

Mr Farraway said the card was designed to support regional students.

"It's all about backing in our regional uni students, our regional apprentices and trainees because they have a greater tyranny of distance to travel to do their studies and we're going to support them in that," he said.

Helpful but too late

The National Union of Students (NUS) said the card would be helpful but come too late for the up-front costs students faced with the start of the new year.

NUS president Bailey Riley said it was a shame it was not being made available to university students now.

"It doesn't seem to actually have that impact of helping students at the moment when the cost-of-living crisis is at its worst; it is very delayed," Ms Riley said.

"I grew up in Bathurst and I know how expensive it is to move to a city or to another regional campus; at that point [April] you are two months into your semester."

She said the NUS was also concerned metro areas were excluded.

"If it excludes Wollongong and Newcastle, public transport is not really that accessible in those areas and they would benefit from the help in any way."

Asked if the opposition would support the card, Labor said in a statement that it had supported the Regional Seniors Travel Card and wanted more details on how the card would be funded into the future.

On Friday, the government announced 100 apprentices in Dubbo would begin trialling the card ahead of its roll out for TAFE students in March.

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Travel Apprenticeships: What you need to know and how to apply for the right one for you

Travel Apprenticeships offer adventurous opportunities to school leavers, with diverse opportunities which could even offer the chance to work abroad.

Who doesn’t love a good break away now and again? Everyone does and that’s why the travel industry covers such a broad range of roles from cabin crew to air traffic control and travel agents. Where could a travel Apprenticeship take you?

What do travel Apprenticeships involve?

Travel Apprenticeships involve a combination of earning and learning. You’ll gain industry specific skills and experience as well as acquiring a professional qualification.

‘Did you know that 3.2 million people from overseas visited the UK in October 2017 and 6.3 million UK residents went abroad in October 2017.’ Find more travel industry statistics.

With so many people going on holidays there are endless opportunities in the travel industry both abroad and in the UK. Let’s take a look at a handful of opportunities available to you:

Cabin Crew – Do you want to jet around the world providing excellent service to customers on board? Cabin crew ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, ensure all safety equipment is working before take off and offer food, drink and any products the airline sells. They also keep passengers up to date with any delays and estimated arrival times striving to make it the best flying experience.

Travel Agents – Travel agents help customers to book the perfect holiday for them. They work towards the customers’ budgets and take into account the customers requirements and advise on hotels that would suit their needs. For example, if a family with young children are looking for a holiday you wouldn’t suggest an adults only hotel. Perhaps they want early or late flights or want to be near the beach. You’ll find the dream holiday for them!

Travel Reps – Travel reps look after customers when abroad on a package holiday. You will ensure they are having a good time and deal with any queries or problems as well as providing information on trips they could book via you.

Aviation Operations (on the ground) – If you’ve ever been in an airport you’ll know just how busy they are with hundreds of departures every day and that’s just from one airport. Without staff to keep things moving the travel industry would come to a halt. An Apprenticeship based in an airport could see you checking passengers in, baggage handling, boarding tickets, loading baggage and freight and checking airfield safety, arrival and departure.

Air Traffic Controller – Are you looking for a challenge? An air traffic controller will face just that. You’ll need extremely high levels of concentration as you’ll be responsible for the safe landing and departure of flights and handling unexpected events.

Skills needed for Travel Apprenticeships

The skills you’ll obtain will depend on which area of the travel industry you decide to work within. If you’re going to be working with passengers then you’ll need to be approachable with excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

Looking for an Apprenticeship behind the scenes such as a traffic controller? You’ll need to be an extremely focused person with excellent communication and organisational skills, you’ll need the ability to make decisions and solve problems.

Companies you can work for in the travel industry

You could work for a wide range of companies in the travel industry including major airlines such as British Airways, TUI, Thomas Cook, Hays Travel, EasyJet, Virgin, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and many more.

Apprenticeship Frameworks

Apprenticeship frameworks currently include travel services at level 2 and level 3.

Apprenticeships are currently changing. Frameworks are being replaced by standards. It is expected that by 2020 the transition will then be complete. Frameworks don’t always work and that’s why standards are being introduced.

Apprenticeship Standards

Here is a list of Apprenticeship standards that have currently been approved for delivery in the travel industry:

• Aviation Operations Manager – Level 4
• Aviation Ground Operative – Level 2
• Aviation Ground Specialists – Level 3
• Passenger Transport Onboard and Station Team Member – Level 2
• Travel Consultant – Level 3
• Airside Operator – Level 2

The following travel Apprenticeship standards are currently undergoing developments and have not yet been approved for delivery:

• Cabin Crew – Level 3
• Commercial Airline Pilot – Level 6
• Marine Pilot – Level 5
• Air Traffic Controller – Level 5

Applying for travel Apprenticeships

If you’re looking for a career that keeps everyone moving 24/7, 365 days a year then a travel Apprenticeship could be perfect for you. Does the idea of working amongst the buzz of an airport excite you? Do you want to help people find their dream holiday or maybe you want to be amongst the action ensuring arrivals and departures are carried out safely? Apply for travel Apprenticeships at Careermap. Can’t find any? Simply register your CV online so top employers can find you!

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Apprentice Discounts – Travel, Council Tax and Savings

It’s well known there are lot of benefits of starting an apprenticeship; you get paid at least national minimum wage, benefiting from all employee benefits whilst gaining experience and valuable, transferable skills that employers want. Did you know though that as an apprentice there are a variety of other discounts from reduced travel rates to council tax relief.

If you’re an apprentice, or looking to attract apprentices into your business take a look at the additional benefits.

NUS Apprenticeship Extra Card

The NUS Apprentice extra card is the only discount card for apprentices and be used at hundreds of high street and online brands. Helping your hard-earned cash stretch a little further.

For just £11 for 1 year and £19 for 2 years, you get discounts from the likes of The Co-op, Amazon, Dominos, Alton Towers, New Look and much much more!

All you need handy is a recent photo of yourself and your debit/credit card and you’re good to go.

Click here to sign up for your NUS discount card

Choose BPIF Training from the list, enter some personal details and your Apprentice extra card should be with you in 10-14 days.

Council Tax Reductions

If you’re over 18 and own or rent a home, then you will usually have to pay council tax. A full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home, and spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill. You’ll get 25% off your bill if you live on your own, or if no-one else in your home counts as an adult.

If you’re on an apprenticeship programme and are earning £195 a week or less for the duration, you may not be counted as an adult for Council Tax. Please contact your local council to find out if you qualify as an adult or if you’re eligible for a discount.

To apply for a discount, your local council is likely to require a declaration from your employer stating that you won’t be paid more than £195 a week, and confirmation from us that you are on a nationally recognised apprenticeship programme and that the qualifications that make up the apprenticeship qualify

Travel Discounts

National railcards.

Railcards are available for different groups; you don’t have to be an apprentice to get be eligible. If you’re 16-30 years old you can apply for a railcard which could get you up to a third off ticket prices. Click here for more information and how you can apply.

Local Travel Discounts

Apprenticeship Oyster (18+)

If you are 18 or over, live in a London borough and in your first year of an apprenticeship, you can get discounted travel with an Oyster photo card. An Apprentice Oyster photocard can save you 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.. You can apply online .

Save 34% on pay as you go off-peak fares and daily caps by adding a 16-25 Railcard     to your Apprentice Oyster photo card to travel on the Tube, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London.

Zip Oyster Photocard (16+)

Young people aged 16 to 17 who are living in a London borough can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard to buy child-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes; and pay as you go at half adult-rate on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London. You can find more information here

Go Northeast have discounted day, weekly and monthly tickets available to everyone aged from 5 up to and including 25, and a flat single fare available for anyone aged under 19. ID is required for anyone who is aged, or looks, 16 or over. You can find more information here

Liverpool: The Apprentice Travel card is available for anyone aged 19 – 24 living in the Liverpool City Region, who’s currently enrolled on an approved apprenticeship. The Apprentice Travelcard means young people enrolled in apprenticeships can get half price bus or train travel across Merseyside when buying weekly and four-weekly Solo tickets or weekly and monthly Railpass tickets.

Greater Manchester: Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) offers support to apprentices on their commute to work with free and reduced-price ticket offers and/or a free bike together with accessories.

You can find a full list of companies which will accept the ticket here . For more information on how to apply please contact us here at BPIF Training

Gloucestershire: Residents of Gloucestershire aged 16-24, may be entitled to a free Thinksmart bus pass for journeys to and from work. It allows travel free of charge for up to 100 journeys on local bus services. To apply complete and print this form.

West Midlands

Apprentices and trainees aged 18 or under are to get half price travel on the region’s  bus and tram network. For more details and to apply for a card go to: https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/16-18

Apprentices in Wales between the ages of 16-21 can apply to mytravelpass to gain travel discounts.

Northern Ireland

If you are 16-23 years old approach YLink   about travel discounts.

We will be sure to keep you updated with any other discounts so be sure to check back!

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Apprenticeships: How They Work and How To Land One

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Apprenticeship programs are ways to train for a career while earning money instead of going into debt. These paid, full-time positions teach skills through a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. An apprenticeship might be right for you if you enjoy hands-on learning and are interested in a career that has apprenticeships available.

» MORE: Alternatives to College

AT A GLANCE

Typical program length: One to six years

Credentials offered: Often provide a nationally recognized certification

Average starting wage: $15 per hour

Most apprenticeships are registered with either the U.S. Labor Department or a state apprenticeship agency, depending on the state. Registered apprenticeships must meet certain standards, such as giving apprentices pay raises as their skills increase. The average wage for a worker who has completed an apprenticeship program is $50,000 a year, according to recent Labor Department data.

At the end of the 2016 fiscal year, there were just over 630,000 active registered apprentices, according to the department — a small number compared with the more than 20 million students enrolled in U.S. college and universities in fall 2017, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

» MORE: Apprentice finds her ticket to a life she loves

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How apprenticeship programs work

Apprentices typically work 2,000 hours per year of their program, plus have a minimum of 144 hours of classroom work, according to the department. That comes out to about 43 hours a week, 50 weeks a year.

The particular requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship vary by program — programs may be time-based, competency-based or a hybrid. In time-based programs, apprentices need to fulfill a certain number of hours. In competency-based programs, apprentices must demonstrate that they’ve mastered required skills.

» MORE: Is college worth it? Here's how to do the math

Which careers have apprenticeships?

The most popular apprenticeships in 2016 were for electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other skilled construction trades, according to the most recently available federal data. There is also a slowly growing number of corporate apprenticeships in finance, insurance, technology and human resources.

Companies that have apprenticeships include Aon, CVS Health, The Home Depot, IBM, Time Warner Inc. and Zurich Insurance Group.

Pros of apprenticeships

They’re paid, which means you’ll earn money instead of taking on student debt.

They offer hands-on experience in the workplace in addition to classroom learning; the classroom portion may be online or at a local college or trade school, and may count for college credit.

They lead to careers that offer decent pay and room for advancement.

Cons of apprenticeships

They can be competitive to enter because there are relatively few available.

They’re limited to certain fields; although there are efforts to expand the apprenticeship model to more companies and industries, apprenticeships remain concentrated in skilled trades such as electric, plumbing and carpentry.

Periods of unemployment are common.

How to get an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships vary because they’re sponsored by different employers, unions and industry associations. But in general, here’s how to find one and apply.

Look for opportunities. Search by occupation and location using the Labor Department’s Apprenticeship Finder , contact your state apprenticeship agency or use traditional job search engines .

Complete any prerequisites, such as a qualifying exam, pre-apprenticeship course or interview.

Wait for an opening. Since many apprenticeships are competitive, there may be a waiting list.

On a similar note...

APPRENTICE EXTRA IS NOW TOTUM APPRENTICE

NUS Apprentice Extra is now TOTUM Apprentice! The only discount card for apprentices in the UK, TOTUM Apprentice has loads of new benefits with hundreds of new discounts, brand new app, new and improved website, PASS proof of age ID (available on renewal) and FREE tastecard & Coffee Club! Check out all the benefits below...

FREE TASTECARD & COFFEE CLUB

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INTERNATIONAL DISCOUNTS

TOTUM has teamed up with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to offer all TOTUM Apprentice members a complimentary one-year membership to ISIC. That's right! Whether you're a student or an apprentice, enjoy the perks of ISIC, including apprentice status verification, 1000s of worldwide discounts, and global community access—all at no extra cost!

GET UP TO 3 YEARS WITH PASS ID

You can now get up to 3 years of membership with TOTUM Apprentice - that's a whole extra year - and grab PASS accredited proof of age ID. Perfect for nights out, voting, cinema trips, public transport and more, your TOTUM Apprentice + PASS ID is widely accepted across the UK and officially confirms your name and age.

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Apprenticeships in the travel industry

If you are interested in starting a career in travel, or in broadening your skills as you develop your career, an apprenticeship is a great way to start. Many travel companies offer apprenticeship schemes that include a variety of different routes to choose from. ABTA worked very closely with People 1st (who were the workforce development charity that represented travel at the time) and a number of our members and other industry representatives as part of the Travel Consultant Trailblazers Group. This group developed new professional standards for Travel Consultant Apprentices. This apprenticeship has an end assessment test, ensuring that every apprentice needs to meet the agreed industry professional standards, no matter where they did their apprenticeship. These standards are regularly reviewed by ABTA members and IfATE – The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education . 

The Travel Consultant Apprenticeship covers both leisure and business travel. This means that both Leisure Travel and Business Travel employers can offer apprenticeships. The apprenticeship will last between 12-24 months depending on previous qualifications and you will be on an employment contract with an employer who will give you the required on the job training.

Individuals and employers can find out more about a wide range of apprenticeships through the Government apprenticeship website .

Find out more about apprenticeships in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .  

A number of training providers and colleges also offer the travel apprenticeship. The ABTA Partners below can assist you with advice: 

• Damar Training
• Grant Thornton

DAMAR training offers a free apprenticeship helpline for ABTA members which can be accessed in the member zone. 

A growing number ABTA members offer apprenticeships in a number of other areas too such as a range of aviation-related apprenticeships, human resources, digital marketing and IT. The range of careers in travel companies can be vast and the range of opportunities is varied.

Whether you are an individual looking for an apprenticeship, or an ABTA Member or Partner wanting to offer an apprenticeship of your own, the Government apprenticeship website has a wealth of information to assist you.

Many ABTA Members recruit apprentices directly through their website and Facebook pages; so do have a look at those.  Some examples of ABTA members apprentices pages are:

• Barrhead Travel
• Hays Travel

There are many more ABTA members offering apprenticeships. Take off in Travel is another great resource showcasing careers and apprenticeships.

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INSPIRING FUTURES

The hays travel apprenticeship programme.

Our apprenticeship programmes put you at the heart of the action. Every year we take on apprentices nationwide; helping develop their potential, support their goals, and inspire their futures. You’ll learn, earn, and bring the sunshine to Hays Travel. Whatever your background, skills or passions, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore.

A career at Hays Travel can take you to new heights!

Our Programmes

Want to learn the ins and outs of business but don’t think College or Sixth Form is for you? Or maybe you want a head-start in your career by gaining valued hands-on experience in a specific field. Whatever your reason for joining us, there’s a perfect fit at Hays Travel. Browse our collection of apprenticeship opportunities below.

Click below to get started

Our promise to you.

As a Hays Travel apprentice, you will get the opportunity to grow alongside the best in the business. We take pride in the award-winning programme we’ve created for our apprentices to succeed and be their best selves. With inspiring teams that want the best for everyone who steps through our doors, you’ll be supported throughout your journey at Hays Travel.

Apprenticeship Events

Still not sure if a Hays Travel apprenticeship is right for you? Come and see us! We encourage potential applicants from all around the UK to learn more about working at Hays Travel through our apprenticeship events. If you need some help deciding which path is right for you or want to know more about a specific department, drop into one of our upcoming events. Follow us social media for more information.

Application Journey

• Find the Right Apprenticeship for you

We have a great range of apprenticeships on offer, from Retail to Marketing, Commercial, Finance, People/HR, Customer Service, Administration and Business Development, so it is important to find the right fit for you. Browse our website, attend our upcoming apprenticeship events, or contact our recruitment team on 0191 814 8098 if you need more information.

• Application

Time to submit your application using our online application form. We will ask for your personal details, academic information, and preferred location to check your apprenticeship eligibility. Once completed, you will receive an instant e-mail to confirm that we have received it!

• Application Review

Your application will be reviewed within 5 working days and we let you know the date and time of your assessment.

We use strict criteria to select our apprentices, so you know if you get through to the next round you've already done a fantastic job with a great application form. We open our applications nice and early so there can be a gap between applying and your outcome. Rest assured we will keep you up to date with what is happening in the stages of the recruitment process.

• Assessment Day

Once an assessment day is confirmed, you will get the chance to impress us in person and get a feel for what it's like to work at Hays Travel. So, we can see if you have the right skills for the position, the day may include several assessments from individual interviews to group exercises. We will give you plenty of notice so you can best prepare.

• We’ll Be in Touch

We will call you to let you know if you have been successful as soon as possible. Then, you can start getting ready for your new career! Good Luck!

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Rewards and recognition

We want to recognise that our growing business wouldn't be successful without the hard work and commitment of our teams - see what we have to offer.

Welcome gift up to the value of £200

Career progression & development, holiday discounts for you and your family, top up your earnings with bonuses, smile rewards, give back to your community.