The Travel Gap 2027 - Host Employers FAQs

The Travel Gap is a paid entry program that gives young people experience across different parts of the travel industry. Each Gapper moves through four six-week placements with different employers, building their knowledge, confidence and workplace capability as they go.

Gappers are young people aged 18 to 25 who are interested in exploring a career in travel. They are at the beginning of their careers and may have limited experience of both professional workplaces and the travel industry.

The program is expected to begin in February or March 2027. Exact placement block dates will be confirmed with host employers before placements are finalised.

Each placement runs for six weeks, four days per week. The daily hours, work pattern and other employment details are agreed before the placement is confirmed.

No. You can host during one block or offer placements across multiple blocks. You can also nominate different offices, locations or teams for different parts of the program.

Yes. You can host one or multiple Gappers during the same block. You can also host different Gappers across multiple blocks or locations.

The 2026 pilot found that Gappers settled in more quickly and worked more confidently when they had a peer alongside them. Hosting two or more Gappers in the same location also makes it easier for them to collaborate on projects and learn from one another. This is preferred, but it is not compulsory.

Yes. Each Gapper carries their learning into the next placement. A Gapper joining your business in Block 3, for example, will already have completed two earlier placements with other travel employers. My First Job will provide a Progress Profile before the placement so you understand what the Gapper has already experienced, the skills they have developed and where they may still need support.

Gappers should contribute to meaningful work that helps them understand how your business operates, serves customers and creates value. This could include product or destination research, customer journey work, content development, sales support, supplier engagement or a contained business project. Some routine tasks are expected, but the placement should not be limited to administration or filling a short-term resourcing gap.

Yes. Each Gapper should have at least one defined project or body of work that they can contribute to across the six weeks. The project should have a clear purpose, a realistic scope and an outcome the Gapper can complete, present or hand over. My First Job can help you shape an appropriate project before the placement begins.

Gappers will need clear instructions, context, regular check-ins and constructive feedback. Each host should nominate a supervisor and, where possible, a day-to-day buddy who can answer questions and help the Gapper settle into the team. They should not be expected to work independently from their first day.

The host employer employs and pays each Gapper for the hours worked during the six-week placement. Pay and employment arrangements must meet the applicable award, industrial instrument and workplace requirements.

Gappers have one week off between each placement block. They do not work during this period and the break is unpaid. Host employers should not schedule work, handovers or meetings with Gappers during the break.

My First Job manages recruitment, preparation and matching. We consider the Gapper’s interests, location, developing skills and preferred working environment, alongside the role, team and experience offered by the host employer. A placement is only confirmed once the employer, Gapper and My First Job are comfortable with the proposed match and arrangements.

No. The Travel Gap is a workforce development program, not a direct recruitment service. A successful placement gives a young person meaningful experience and a better understanding of careers in travel. Some employers may choose to offer further work where there is a strong fit, but there is no expectation or obligation to do so.

My First Job recruits and prepares the Gappers, coordinates matching, confirms the placement structure and shares a Progress Profile before each placement. We remain connected throughout the six weeks and can support the host employer or Gapper if questions or concerns arise.

Contact My First Job as soon as possible. We will speak with the host and Gapper, clarify expectations and agree on the appropriate next steps. Employers should not wait until the end of the placement to raise an issue.

Host employers may be included in relevant Travel Gap recruitment, school and careers communications, social media, LinkedIn, ATIA content and media activity. There may also be opportunities to share your roles, teams and workplace through approved Gapper images and stories. The exact activity will depend on the program calendar, available content and the stories created during the placement.

No. The application helps us understand your locations, capacity, preferred blocks, roles and potential placement experience. It does not lock your business into particular dates or Gapper numbers.

My First Job will review your application and contact you to discuss the proposed role, team, location, capacity, pay and placement structure. Suitable opportunities will then be considered as part of the Gapper matching process.