WORKING TOWARDS A
BRIGHTER FUTURE
THE HAYS TRAVEL GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Graduate roles
About us
As the UK's largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel has been offering exceptional holidays and customer service since 1980. We collaborate with leading suppliers to offer a range of travel options, including hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. With over 470 branches across the UK and our Head Office in Sunderland, we continue to grow and innovate year on year.
What it's like to work for us?
Imagine a career shaped by passion? At Hays Travel, people are at the heart of our success, we're more than just an employer - we're proud to offer careers that align with the passions and values that our people share. Our graduate programmes offer you the chance to grow both professionally and personally and work as part of the UK's largest independent travel agent
With over 10 years of experience, we truly understand what makes a great graduate programme. Throughout this time, we've offered placements across the company, and as we've grown, so has our commitment to providing programmes that support your growth. We believe in celebrating our people’s achievements, so we promote from within and reward hard work.
Each year, we welcome graduates to join our programmes, from the beginning of your placement you’ll gain hands on experience and follow a dedicated programme where no two days are the same. From day one you’ll form part of our award-winning team gaining firsthand experience, training and mentorship which will push boundaries. You'll also gain valuable industry knowledge, guided by our award-winning Learning and Development Team.
Our graduate programmes are ideal for those seeking a supportive, structured, and accelerated entry into the workforce. If you’re ambitious and eager to learn, a graduate scheme could be a transformative start to your career.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We’re seeking ambitious, forward-thinking graduates who are eager to shape the future of Hays Travel. You’ll need to be enthusiastic about learning and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As well as a recent graduate (or master’s graduate) with at least a 2:1 degree (or predicted) in any subject (graduation within the past three years).
What we expect from you
- Commitment and dedication
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Initiative and drive
- Curiosity and critical thinking
- Attention to detail
What you can expect from us
- Structured training and development
- Comprehensive learning and mentorship
- Opportunities to earn relevant qualifications or certifications.
- Fast-Track Development which is designed to prepare you for leadership roles or advanced positions within a few years.
- Outline career progression routes, making it easier to visualise your future
- Industry knowledge and exposure
- Networking - You'll build connections with progressionals across various levels and disciplines, enchancing your career prospects.
- Skill Development - You'll develop transferable skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Initiative and drive
You will demonstrate an ability for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. You need to show a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our Programmes
Our 2025 Graduate Programmes
Our graduate programme at Hays Travel gives you access to some of the most forward-thinking industry experts, networking opportunities and industry insight. Once here, you’ll be able to experience different roles that spark interest, inspire action and ignite enthusiasm. The programmes are designed to nurture your talent, guiding you as you grow into a confident, versatile professional.
Bring your career to life. This is the perfect blend of personal growth and professional development, with a choice of programmes, roles and projects for you to contribute to, truly define and make a lasting impact.
3-Year Business Graduate Programme
Our 3-Year Graduate Programme is an exciting opportunity for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience across key business functions, including Retail, Finance, Commercial, Marketing, The Independence Group, HR and Learning & Development. The programme is designed to build your expertise in multiple areas, preparing you for a successful career at Hays Travel.
- Year One: Retail - You'll learn about our products, services, and customer base, as well as gain hands-on knowledge of how our retail branches operate.
- Year Two: Finance - Transition to our Head Office in Sunderland to work within various Finance teams, deepening your technical and operational expertise.
- Year Three: Rotation - In your final year, you will rotate through key departments in head office, gaining exposure to different areas of the business. This phase focuses on honing your technical skills, understanding strategic operations, and driving impactful projects
2-Year Management Graduate Programme
Our 2-Year Graduate Programme is the opportunity if you’re looking for a fast-track route to a management career. Supported by our award-winning Learning & Development team, this programme provides a clear pathway to management in as little as two years.
- Year One: Retail - You will experience the role of a Travel Consultant across various branches. You’ll learn about our products, services, and customer base, as well as gain hands-on knowledge of how our retail branches operate.
- Year Two: Deepen Your Knowledge - Taking on leadership responsibilities, working towards a management position. Throughout the programme, our Learning & Development team will provide ongoing training and guidance to ensure you are fully prepared for the next stage of your career.
Application Process
January 2025 - Applications Open (Online)
Both graduate programmes are open to apply, complete the online application apply with Your CV, details of your degree grade (or predicted grade) as well as a covering letter.
31st March 2025 - Applications Close
Applications will be evaluated, and successful applications will be invited to attend the next stage of the assessment.
May - Assessment Centre
The next stage is the assessment centre, at our head office in Sunderland. This consists of individual and group-based assessments followed by a discovery session. You will then here from our current graduates and with the opportunity to ask questions as well as network with others.
June - Final Stage Interviews and placement offer
If succesful you will be invited back for a final stage interview at our head office.
July - Your Graduate Placement Starts
Our Values
Our SMILE values are embedded into our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.
- Supportive
- Motivational
- Innovative
- Loyal
- Excellent
Rewards and recognition
We want to recognise that our growing business wouldn't be successful without the hard work and commitment of our teams - see what we have to offer.