Women in Travel CIC, a social enterprise founded by travel industry professional Alessandra Alonso, is launching an initiative to help unemployed women into travel & tourism jobs.

Working with homelessness charity Crisis, Women in Travel will support and train women who have been out of work but see the Travel & Tourism industry as an exciting career option.

Companies partnering on the initiative include MTR Crossrail, Diamondair and hospitality partners Georgian House Hotel, UnderTheDoormat and digital marketers Digital Dialog.

Those enrolled on the ‘Women Returners’ programme will be given a one week training course where employers can meet and interview the women with the view to providing either full time jobs or a short term, paid internships at the end of the programme.

The first ‘Women Returners’ programme begins on 29th January 2018 and will offer women employment opportunities with the industry partners.

Founder of Women in Travel, Alessandra Alonso said, “This is a first for the industry and I am very excited about the opportunities that the sector can offer to these women who want to be economically active but have been prevented by sometimes challenging, personal circumstances. I am also excited about what the women have to offer to the industry. They are motivated, often very experienced and keen to demonstrate their commitment to available employers. It is a win-win”

Christina Lawford, CEO of DiamondAir cites Brexit as one reason why the company is getting on board with the initiative. “The company is growing and with Brexit limiting the volume of foreign talent available to us we must now tap into a more diverse pool. Alessandra’s programme comes just at the right time and we are sure it will more than pay for itself.”

Companies who wish to join are asked to pay a modest membership fee that goes towards the set up and training of women. In exchange companies enjoy a substantial number of benefits, including being able to display the Women Returners Logo and getting free mentoring training for employees. Competitive recruitment fees will eventually be paid when the women are fully employed.

“So much female talent is going to waste under the radar, on the one hand. On the other, the Travel & Tourism industry continues to grow and needs all the talent it can get. The programme aims to put the two together so that mutual benefits can be enjoyed,” adds Alessandra.

To find out or join the programme please contact Alessandra on 07801269374 or email womenintravelcic@gmail.com

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Nisha Kotecha is the Founder of Good News Shared. Having worked and volunteered for charities in the UK for over 10 years, Nisha is on a mission to highlight how amazing charities are.

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