Host A ‘Travel Gapper’
Build The Next Generation of Travel Professionals.
Host A ‘Travel Gapper’
Host a Travel Gapper
The Travel Gap is a paid entry program delivered by My First Job in partnership with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
It gives young people the chance to experience the breadth of the travel industry through four six-week placements with different employers.
As Gappers move through the program, their industry knowledge, workplace confidence and capability build with each placement.
For host employers, it is an opportunity to put working in travel on young people’s radar, introduce them to the roles within your business and help build the industry’s future workforce.
The 2027 program
The Travel Gap is expected to begin in February or March 2027, with exact placement dates to be confirmed.
- Four six-week placement blocks
- Four paid working days per week
- One week off between each block
- Different host employer experiences across the program
Gappers rotate through the placement blocks. A Gapper joining you in Block 3, for example, will already have completed two earlier placements and will bring that experience with them.
Choose how your business hosts
Your organisation does not need to host for the entire program. You can:
- Host during one six-week block
- Host different Gappers across multiple blocks
- Offer placements across different offices or locations
- Host more than one Gapper during the same block
Where possible, we recommend hosting at least two Gappers together in the same location. The pilot found that having a peer made it easier for Gappers to settle in, collaborate on projects and build confidence.
For example, a national employer could host two Gappers in Melbourne during Block 1, then two different Gappers in Sydney during Block 3.
What Gappers need from a placement
Gappers are at the beginning of their careers and may have limited experience of both professional workplaces and the travel industry. They will need clear direction, context and regular feedback.
A strong placement includes:
- A clear plan for the six weeks
- Meaningful tasks and at least one defined project
- A supervisor and day to day buddy
- Regular check-ins and constructive feedback
- Exposure to different teams, roles or business functions where practical
- Opportunities to understand how the business serves customers and generates value
Gappers should be contributing to real work, but they are not being placed as experienced junior employees or short-term administrative support.
A simple six-week structure
Week 1: Learn the business
Complete onboarding, meet the team and understand the organisation, customers and placement goals.
Weeks 2 to 5: Contribute and explore
Work on meaningful tasks and projects, build workplace skills and gain exposure to different parts of the business.
Week 6.: Complete and reflect
Finalise or hand over project work, share what they have learned and receive feedback from the host team.
Payment and employment
Gappers are employed and paid by each host employer for the hours worked during their six-week placement. Pay must meet the applicable award, industrial instrument and employment requirements.
The one-week breaks between placement blocks are unpaid, as Gappers do not work during these periods.
Why host?
Hosting gives your organisation the opportunity to:
- Show young people the careers available across travel
- Meet and observe emerging talent in a real workplace
- Build mentoring and leadership experience within your team
- Strengthen your future talent pipeline
- Gain relevant visibility through The Travel Gap’s promotion to young people, schools, families and the travel industry
- Play a practical role in building the sector’s future workforce
The Travel Gap is not a direct recruitment program, and there is no expectation that a placement will result in a job. Some employers may choose to offer further opportunities where there is a strong fit, but a successful placement is one that gives a Gapper meaningful experience and a better understanding of where a career in travel could take them.
Interested in hosting in 2027?
Complete the Host Employer Application to tell us:
- Which placement blocks and locations may suit your business
- How many Gappers you could host
- The teams or roles they could experience
- The projects and work they could contribute to
Submitting an application does not lock your organisation into particular dates or placement numbers. My First Job will work with shortlisted employers to confirm the right structure and fit.
"This isn't just a recruitment drive; it’s about showing the next generation that travel is a dynamic, people-driven powerhouse with endless career paths. We are innovating at pace to solve workforce shortages" - Dean Long, CEO ATIA
Employer FAQs
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The Travel Gap is a structured, paid pathway into the travel industry. Gappers build experience across four six-week placements with different employers.
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Gappers are aged 18 to 25 and at the beginning of their careers. They may have limited professional or travel industry experience.
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My First Job promotes the opportunity through its school network and digital channels, then manages applications and interviews. Selected Gappers complete the Kick-Off Program before placements begin.
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The program is expected to begin in February or March 2027. Exact placement dates will be confirmed.
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Each placement runs for six weeks, four days per week. Daily hours are agreed before the placement begins.
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No. Employers can host during one or multiple blocks, across one or more teams or locations.
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Yes. Where possible, we recommend hosting at least two Gappers together at the same location.
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The pilot showed that Gappers settled faster, worked well together and built confidence when they had a peer alongside them. It is preferred, but not compulsory.
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Yes. Gappers rotate through different employers, so their workplace knowledge and confidence build with each placement.
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Yes. The Travel Gap is a national program. Any travel or accommodation arrangements will be confirmed before a placement is agreed.
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Gappers should contribute to meaningful work, a defined project and the wider team. Routine tasks can be included, but should not make up the entire placement.
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Hosts provide onboarding, a suitable workspace and equipment, clear responsibilities, supervision and regular feedback.
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The host employer employs and pays the Gapper in line with the applicable award and employment requirements.
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Gappers have a one-week unpaid break between blocks. No work is undertaken during this time.
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My First Job considers each Gapper’s interests, strengths and working style alongside the role, team and workplace environment.
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No. Employers may offer a role if the fit is right, but this is not a requirement of hosting.
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My First Job manages recruitment, preparation and matching, and remains available to support both parties throughout the placement.
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Hosts may be recognised through school and careers communications, social media, LinkedIn, ATIA channels and relevant media opportunities.
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No. It indicates your potential capacity and starts a conversation about what may work for your business.
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My First Job will contact you to discuss your team, locations, available blocks, placement structure and support before any match is confirmed.
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