Free BTEC Level 3 Travel and Tourism Course in Smethwick. Classes run full-time at Shireland Collegiate Academy, five days a week during the day. This level 3 BTEC travel and tourism qualification covers the business of travel, tourism destinations, customer service, and how the industry operates globally. The course runs over 24 months. The travel and tourism industry employs nearly three million people in the UK, and this qualification opens doors across airlines, tour operators, hotels, and visitor attractions. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification, to enrol. A discretionary bursary may be available to help with costs.
Who this course is for
Do you love travel? Did you know that you could make a career out of it in the dynamic, diverse and expanding Travel and Tourism industry? The Travel and Tourism industry is growing at a rapid rate, it is the fourth largest industry in the UK and generates £127 billion to the UK economy, employing 2.97 million people. In the past ten years there has been a huge increase in the number of business and leisure passengers travelling. Budget airlines have contributed to expansion of the short-break market. This has led to the expansion of regional airports in the UK and Europe. In addition, there has been a rise in hospitality management enterprises. This has subsequently created a demand for a hugely flexible, skilled work-force. Your Travel and Tourism qualification will cover a range of topics that relate to a wide variety of sectors in the industry including; accommodation, transport, airport management and travel agents. You will learn how to communicate with customers effectively as well as evaluating and analysing the impacts of tourism in several case studies at a local, national and global scale. This will help you develop a range of skills that can be transferred to the world of work, as well as at higher education. This subject will offer you the opportunity to experience some of the destinations you study on residential trips where you will participate in tourism activities and get the opportunity to interview current employees in the industry. This includes visits to attractions in the UK, a training session with British Airways at London Heathrow, and overseas destinations on a cruise with P&O.
Entry requirements
4-5 GCSEs at grade 5 (grade C) or above or an equivalent level 2 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll explore how the global travel and tourism industry is structured and how it generates revenue.
You'll study popular UK and international tourism destinations and what makes them attractive to visitors.
You'll learn how airlines, tour operators, travel agents, and hospitality businesses work together.
You'll develop customer service skills specific to travel and tourism settings.
You'll examine how marketing is used to attract leisure and business travellers.
You'll investigate the impact of travel and tourism on local economies and environments.
You'll build skills in researching and planning travel itineraries and holiday packages.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Shireland Collegiate Academy. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC format combines coursework assignments with practical tasks rather than traditional exams. You'll complete units assessed through written assignments, research projects, and case studies. Some units may include presentations or group work. Assessment is ongoing throughout the two years, so your work builds progressively toward the full Extended Certificate.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Shireland Collegiate Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Travel consultant, helping customers plan and book holidays
Airline customer service agent, working at airports or call centres
Tour operator assistant, supporting package holiday operations
Hotel reservations coordinator, managing bookings and guest services
Visitor attraction team member, working in tourism venues or heritage sites
Holiday rep, supporting tourists at UK or overseas destinations
Corporate travel coordinator, arranging business travel and accommodation
What you could study next
HND in Travel and Tourism (Level 5) - a two-year higher-level qualification that goes deeper into tourism management and business strategy.
BA (Hons) in Tourism Management or Hospitality Management - a degree for those wanting to move into management roles in the industry.
Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Operations - if you want to focus specifically on the airline and airport sector.
Apprenticeship in Travel Consultant or Hospitality Management - earn while you learn in a real workplace setting.
