TRAVEL, TOURISM & AVIATION

It starts with you!

Get career ready with us and unlock your potential today, view our range of Travel, Tourism and Aviation courses and enrol to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.

Aged 16-18? Apply now

Aged 19+? Apply now

If you're 16-18, you’ll join our Centre of Excellence for Travel and Tourism when you enrol on any of our courses specialising in Aviation, Cabin Crew or Travel and Tourism.

Our Centre of Excellence is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and industry experience to pursue a range of career paths.

You’ll learn more about the travel, tourism and aviation industry through tours of airports, heliports and hotels, careers talks from leading brands in the industry, spending a day in the life of a sector employee, such as a travel advisor, and trips and visits to tourism hotspots such as London and the Lake District.

Plus, you’ll spend at least 35 hours gaining experience in workplaces such as travel agents, tour operators, hotels and restaurants. While you’re there, you’ll help with day-to-day tasks and shadow staff to develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the industry.

Travel and Tourism courses

We have a range of travel, tourism, and aviation courses from Level 1 to Level 3 to ensure you can explore your passion and learn at the right level for you. 

Browse our courses

When you study Travel, Tourism and Aviation at The Manchester College, you’ll learn from highly experienced tutors, some of whom have spent years travelling the globe as part of their career.

Get to know some of our tutors:

Jill Riley - Assistant Principal

Jill has worked in Further Education for over 30 years and is passionate about enabling students to be the best they can be and helping them to progress into exciting and fulfilling careers.

Dee Greenwood - Tutor

Dee has been a tutor at The Manchester College for just over a year. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the aviation industry, starting as a member of the cabin crew, before progressing up the ranks and into training. Dee teaches everything from airline terminology to emergency situation procedures for cabin crew. She can help you to develop the skills you need to become a valued member of cabin crew or to work elsewhere in the industry.

Gemma Williams - Tutor

Gemma has over 20 years’ experience as a cabin crew member for international long haul carriers, working her way up through the ranks. She teaches all areas of cabin, incorporating her experience and knowledge to teach the next generation of airline staff. Gemma is passionate about impacting learners lives and guiding them to careers in flying, teaching them new skills for their future careers.

Tavleen Thapar - Tutor

Tavleen has a degree in Business and over 16 years of expertise in ground operations, airline security, and aviation. Her most recent position with one of the largest airlines in the world, American Airlines, saw Tavleen responsible for the station’s ground security operations, as well as overall security and aircraft door training. Tavleen’s motto is ‘the sky is the limit’ and she is passionate about supporting her students into successful careers within the industry.

Carla Doyle - Tutor

Carla has over 20 years’ experience as cabin crew with British Airways, operating First Class, Business and Economy on short and long-haul flights. She was part of British Airways recruitment and promotion teams, which allowed her to serve members of the Royal Family and host VIP services. She was also a performance manager where she managed cabin crew onboard and delivered training in the Manchester and Belfast bases. Carla is keen to prepare learners to join the aviation world with passion and high standards.

Our Travel, Tourism and Aviation departments are based at our Harpurhey and Wythenshawe campuses in North and South Manchester.

Public transport links are excellent, so they’re within easy reach of employment opportunities in the sector at Manchester Airport and in Manchester city centre.

Both campuses are modern, bright and offer plenty of opportunities for socialising outside of class.

When it comes to course facilities, we think you’ll find it hard not to be impressed with each campus’s realistic air cabin and galley, which have been specially built for students to practise in.

You’ll also have access to the same specialist check-in software used by airlines, and work with industry standard equipment, like breathing apparatus and life jackets. You’ll also wear specialist uniforms at times, preparing you for life as a professional!

The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:

• Student Experience Support Team
• Careers Employability & Welfare
• Pastoral Support Officers
• Supported Learning

We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.

Find out more about our student support offer:

Find out even more about our Travel, Tourism and Aviation department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:

Download our subject area guide

Watch our YouTube playlist

Start something new with our Adult Education courses for 19+ starting in 2024/25!

Browse our wide range of course and apply now.

Browse 19+ adult courses