A YOUNG travel agent’s career has taken off after winning an apprenticeship from The Midcounties Co-operative Society.

Twenty two years old Sally Westwood is one of only six people to secure a place on the Co-operative Travel apprenticeship scheme, which helps young local people get on to the career ladder. Miss Westwood, who works in the firm's Kidderminster branch on Franche road, had left college with no idea of what she wanted to do – until her dream career crossed her path one day by chance.

She said: "I had completed my A-levels and really enjoyed geography, however, I hadn’t a clue what I wanted to do after my studies, it was a really uncertain time. By chance I’d popped into the Co-operative Travel in Franche to buy travel insurance and spotted an ad on the wall. It was like it was meant to be. Now I get to earn while I learn and book customers’ dream holidays, it’s a great feeling.”

The apprenticeship scheme at Co-operative Travel pairs Miss Westwood with a mentor from the business, who gives her tasks to expand her knowledge as well as offering support. She works alongside seven experienced colleagues who share day-to-day advice.

Nichola Hodgkins, colleague knowledge and skills manager at Co-operative Travel, added: “The Midcounties Co-operative Travel is committed to investing in passionate people like Sally in order to enable the industry to thrive. We’re keen to develop those with natural talent and determination, helping them to provide our customers with the best possible service from their knowledge, skills and expertise. This enables us to create a pool of people and drive succession throughout our travel business.”

The travel firm now plans to roll out a permanent programme across the UK during 2016, creating up to 20 apprenticeship opportunities for young people per year.