The Travel Gap
Uni, work, travel or a mix of everything? It is a big decision, especially when it feels like you are meant to already know the answer. Is The Travel Gap the perfect solution?
The Travel Gap is a 29+ week structured program that gives school leavers real experience inside Australia’s travel industry before committing to a future pathway.
Delivered by My First Job in partnership with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), the program connects you directly with travel businesses that are actively building the next generation of industry professionals.
How The Program Works
The Travel Gap includes:
- Starts Feb 2027
- Four 6 week paid placement blocks
- Travel break weeks between each block
- An immersive Kick Off Week to begin
Young people accepted into the program are known as Travel Gappers. It is the name we use for the cohort completing the 29+ week journey together.
As a Gapper, you complete 6 week placement blocks, inside a real travel business. Between each block, you have a break. Some Gappers use that time to travel. Others reset before stepping into their next placement in Australia.
What is ‘Kick Off Week’?
The program starts with the entire cohort coming together in one city to launch the experience properly.
The 2026 Travel Gappers were flown in by Virgin Australia, with accommodation provided by The Ascott Limited.
Highlights of the week:
- Behind the scenes access inside leading Marriott hotels
- A plane tour and exclusive experience with Singapore Airlines
- Direct conversations with industry experts
It gives you early insight into how global travel brands operate before your first placement even begins.
You can see what the 2026 Gappers have been up to on the dedicated The Travel Gap TikTok channel.
Where 2026 Gappers Are Working
After Kick Off Week, Gappers move into paid placements with travel businesses across Australia.
In 2026, Gappers are working with:
- Sonia Jones Travel
- Connections Travel Group
- Clean Cruising
- RAA
- CTM
- Platinum Travel Group
- Intrepid Travel
Placements span corporate travel, retail agencies, cruise specialists, adventure brands and national travel organisations and you get the chance to work in all different departments from marketing, tech, product, finance and so much more.
What You Gain
By the end of the program, you will have:
- Over six months of structured industry experience
- Employer references
- Strong workplace communication skills
- Greater confidence in professional environments
- A clearer understanding of your direction
- An alumni of travel gappers around the country
The Travel Gap offers a rare chance to step inside a global industry early and build experience that most people do not access until much later.
Who It Suits
The Travel Gap is ideal for school leavers who:
- Are curious and have a passion about travel and global business
- Prefer practical learning
- Want structure after school
- Are reliable and willing to learn
- Want to meet like-minded people
- Open to working at businesses across Australia
You do not need previous industry experience. Attitude and professionalism matter most.
Interested? Official applications will be live soon, register your interest now to be the first to find out more.
Gappers- register your interest here.
Employers & Industry Partners
The Travel Gap is built in collaboration with the travel industry and would not be possible without the support of employers & partners.
We work with:
- Host employers offering 6 week placement blocks
- Aviation, accommodation and hospitality brands supporting The Travel Gap
- National travel organisations investing in future workforce pathways
If your organisation would like to be involved:
Employers
Learn more about hosting a Gapper or register your interest
Industry Partners
Learn about partnership opportunities or register your interest
“The Travel Gap is about empowering young Australians to step confidently into the workforce." - Cass Champion, Founder & CEO My First Job
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Gapper is a young person selected into The Travel Gap program. It refers to the cohort completing the 29+ week structured experience together.
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Yes. Placement blocks are paid in either a full time or part time capacity. Kick Off Week and travel break weeks between placements are not paid.
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The Travel Gap runs for 29+ weeks and includes four 6 week paid placement blocks, with travel break weeks between each block. The next intake begins February 2027.
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Placements are offered across Australia with approved host employers. Locations vary each year based on participating businesses.
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Places are limited. Selection is based on suitability, readiness for a professional environment, interest in the travel sector and alignment with the program structure.
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Employers value reliability, communication skills, professionalism and a willingness to learn. Being open minded to working across different departments is important. Previous travel experience is not required.
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The program is designed as a significant commitment. Starting university at the same time is not recommended due to workload and professional expectations. If you are already enrolled in university and have flexibility in your schedule, options may be considered on a case by case basis.
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Some placements may require temporary relocation depending on employer location and availability. Details are discussed during the selection process.
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Gappers receive structured onboarding during Kick Off Week and ongoing support from My First Job throughout the program.
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The program is designed to give you clarity. Even if you decide the industry is not for you long term, the experience, transferable skills and professional references remain valuable.
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Yes. The program is structured and professional. Gappers are expected to meet workplace standards and commit fully to their placement blocks.
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It combines paid placements, access to recognised travel brands and structured industry exposure within one coordinated pathway. That level of access and experience is rarely available at this stage.
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