Fred. Olsen has launched a new in-house training scheme to attract staff from outside the travel industry.

It said the scheme will also ease pressure on branch staff to train up new recruits.

The Fred. Olsen Travel Academy, launched in partnership with AS Training, will offer a one-year, Level 3 travel consultant apprenticeship or a three-month intensive training course.

Classroom-based learning will be available at Fred. Olsen Travel’s Ipswich HQ, along with online training modules, fam trips and conference and ship visits.

The academy, managed by Sharne Algar, aims to train eight to 12 new staff a year. The first intake of seven agents will join later this month.

Director of Retail Paul Hardwick said: “In order for us to continue to grow and increase our high street presence from 18 to 25 branches by 2025, we need to recruit more talent and implement a more joined-up approach to training.

“The Fred. Olsen Training Academy will help us attract new staff while ensuring shops’ profits are not hit by staff having to divide their time between training and selling.”