Riviera Travel Career Discovery Apprentice

RIVIERA TOURS LTD

328 Wetmore Road (DE14 1SP)

Closes in 7 days (Monday 4 May 2026)

Posted on 27 April 2026

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Summary

Join our newly launched Career Discovery Programme! A 24-month rotational apprenticeship that offers you a unique opportunity to explore the world of travel. You will rotate through four key areas of our business - Customer Service, Operations, Sales, and Transport giving you a deep understanding of how a travel company runs behind the scenes.

• Wage:

  £19,240 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Months 18 to 24 the wage will rise to £12.21 per hour

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  5

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Embark on your travel career with Riviera Travel’s Apprenticeship Programme! This isn’t just an apprenticeship it’s your ticket to discover the world of travel from the inside out, earn a nationally recognised qualification, and explore where your future could take you.

What is it?

A full-time, paid apprenticeship designed to give you a 360° view of the travel industry. You’ll rotate across Customer Service, Sales, Operations, and Transport, building skills and confidence as you go and finish with a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification under your belt.

No two days are the same. One day you could be helping a guest book their dream holiday, the next you might be working to ensure they have a seamless 5-star experience or stepping in to solve unexpected issues with confidence and care.

Customer Service:

• Be the calm, helpful voice at the other end of the line
• You’ll support guests post-booking helping with room and flight requests, cancellations, or travel documents always delivering five-star service with a smile

Sales:

• Get to know our holidays inside-out and match guests with their dream trip
• You’ll build rapport, answer enquiries, and turn interest into bookings whether on a call, by email, or via live chat all while working towards personal and team targets

Transport:

• Behind every great holiday is great planning
• You’ll liaise with airlines, manage group bookings, seat allocations, and assist with schedule changes
• This rotation offers a real insight into the detail and pace of coordinating complex travel

Operations:

• Make sure everything runs like clockwork
• You’ll help prepare tours and cruises, support Tour Managers and Cruise Directors, and jump into action when unexpected issues arise while guests are travelling

A typical week could include:

• Answering calls and emails from customers, providing helpful and professional support
• Assisting with bookings, travel documents, and special requests in our Customer Service and Sales teams
• Learning how we arrange group travel and liaising with airlines to ensure smooth journeys in the Transport team
• Supporting the preparation of tours and cruises, and helping resolve live issues with guests or suppliers in the Operations team
• Attending team meetings, supporting ongoing projects, and developing your communication and organisational skills

This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and friendly team, develop your confidence, and build a solid foundation for your future in travel or business administration.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have the experience, skills and qualification to take the next step in your career and we’ll help you explore the opportunities available right here at Riviera Travel.

What you’ll get:

• A Level 3 Business Administrator qualification
• Hands-on experience across four different departments
• Regular mentoring, feedback, and personalised development
• A clear path to grow within the business post-apprenticeship
• The chance to work for an award-winning travel company, surrounded by people who love what they do

Why choose Riviera?

• Award-winning company with a reputation for excellence
• Supportive culture where everyone matters
• Real responsibilities from day one you’re not just making tea!
• Mentoring and development to help you grow professionally and personally
• A qualification that sets you up for the future

Whether you're leaving education, starting fresh, or looking for a new challenge, this is your chance to build a career you’ll love.

Applications are now open. Join us on the journey.

Where you'll work

328 Wetmore Road
DE14 1SP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

• Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard (can include Level 2 elements if required)
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

This apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of Work Based Assessment and day/block release. 

The programme will culminate in an End Point Assessment, where all the skills and knowledge gained on the apprenticeship will be formally tested.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

• Maths and English (grade 4/C or above)
• Maths and English (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Administrative skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Creative
• Customer care skills
• IT skills
• Number skills
• Organisation skills
• Presentation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Time-Management

About this employer

Established for over 41 years, Award-winning escorted tours, cruises and solo holidays based in Burton on Trent.

After this apprenticeship

• At the end of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to either continue in a rotational role or step into a permanent position that best matches your strengths and passions
• Whether you shine in customer care, thrive in fast-paced sales, excel behind the scenes in operations or transport, or discover a unique fit elsewhere in the business - we'll help guide you toward the path that suits you best
• This isn’t just about learning the ropes -  it’s your chance to kick-start an exciting career in the travel industry and find where you truly belong

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000026265.

Apply now

Closes in 7 days (Monday 4 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.