ATCC Calls for Urgent Reform of Certificate III in Travel

What's Happening?

The Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC) has issued a call for urgent reform of the Certificate III in Travel, citing that the qualification, developed in 2013, is outdated and not aligned with current industry practices. The council highlighted that several core units and skill sets are no longer relevant, particularly the requirement for manual calculations in airfare rules, which is considered outdated. Structural issues within the qualification are also preventing school-based trainees from completing a full certificate before employment, leading to a decline in the number of trainees entering the sector.

Why It's Important?

The call for reform by ATCC is significant as it addresses the need for the travel industry to adapt to modern employability requirements and technological advancements. By updating the qualification, the industry can attract new entrants and ensure that training is relevant and effective. This reform could lead to a more skilled workforce, better prepared to meet the demands of the evolving travel sector. Additionally, addressing the barriers faced by school-based trainees could enhance the strategic workforce by incorporating young, tech-savvy individuals who bring fresh ideas and digital literacy to the industry.

What's Next?

ATCC has established a Travel Skills Taskforce to review the qualification structure and content, seeking input from industry stakeholders on which competency units should remain. The council aims to align the qualification with government guidelines and explore embedding travel units into tourism qualifications to mitigate provider shortages. This collaborative approach could lead to a streamlined, fit-for-purpose qualification that supports the continuation of school-based traineeship programs and addresses funding disparities in the vocational education sector.