The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has partnered with youth employment platform My First Job to launch The Travel Gap, a national gap year program designed to introduce school leavers to meaningful careers in the travel industry.
The Travel Gap is the first initiative to roll out under ATIA’s A30 Workforce strategy, announced at the Beyond Borders Summit in 2024. It offers young Australians a “learn, earn and explore” experience, connecting them with real travel industry jobs while building confidence, friendships and life skills.
With over 60 per cent of school leavers saying they want to take a gap year but don’t know where to start, The Travel Gap provides structure and direction. Participants will be placed with trusted employers in the travel sector across the country, earning income and gaining workplace experience while discovering the diverse opportunities that lie within the industry.
A new view on travel careers
Powered by My First Job, a Gen Z-focused digital platform that streamlines recruitment based on location, availability and interests, the program aims to shift outdated perceptions of the travel sector. Instead of seeing travel as just a holiday, The Travel Gap showcases it as a vibrant, people-focused career with long-term potential.
Some of the platform’s young candidates have already had their first taste of travel careers through volunteer roles at the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards.
Industry and youth leaders speak out
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the partnership will help address critical workforce shortages while reimagining travel as a viable pathway for younger Australians.
“Too many young Australians are missing the chance to see travel as more than a holiday. It’s a dynamic, rewarding and people-driven industry. ‘The Travel Gap’ will open their eyes to these possibilities while giving them the structure and support they need to make it happen,” said Long.
Cass Champion, CEO and founder of My First Job, added, “Partnering with ATIA on The Travel Gap makes perfect sense. Together, we’re opening doors for young people to explore the travel industry, gain life skills, and chart their own course through meaningful, purpose-driven work.”
ATIA will soon call on its members to become host employers and help shape the next generation of talent entering the industry.
