Travel Industry (Agent) Training
(Official WTCS title: Travel Agent)
Technical Diploma — Oak Creek Campus 

Program code: 30-109-2

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.


This page was last updated in July 2007.

Overview — Travel Industry Training is a technical diploma program designed to prepare you for employment with travel marketers, airlines, tour companies, convention bureaus, car rental agencies, cruise lines, hotels and tourist attractions. MATC’s Travel Industry Training program is approved by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Prior to graduation, you will have the opportunity to participate in a 220-hour on-the-job experience in the course TRAVEL-160 Tourism Management Internship 1. An associate degree in Tourism and Travel Management is also offered, and all 16 credits from this program apply to the degree.

Career Outlook — Career prospects for the travel industry are promising. The travel and tourism industry is America’s leading exporter, the nation’s number-two employer, and the third largest retail industry in the United States. It ranks as the fifth largest industry in the state of Wisconsin. In addition, as the travel industry becomes increasingly complex, there will be a high demand for well-trained, customer-service-oriented employees in the industry. Positions that are typically available to program graduates include travel consultant, airline customer service representative, convention and visitor bureau salesperson, hotel desk clerk, hotel reservationist, car rental customer service representative, and cruise and tour specialist.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Employers expect you as a program graduate to be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of computerized reservation systems
• Understand tourism geography, including climate, tourist attractions, cultural characteristics, accommodations and transportation
• Communicate with suppliers and clients in writing, on the telephone, and in person
• Effectively utilize common industry reference books
• Demonstrate familiarity with a broad range of travel products
• Effectively and efficiently sell the travel product
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of airfare rules and airline document issuance procedures
• Demonstrate the use of the Internet and other emerging technologies

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• Typing proficiency of 30 words per minute or concurrent enrollment in OFTECH-103 Keyboarding
  

Effective communications skills, strong human relations abilities, and problem-solving skills will also contribute to your success in the program and on the job.

Possible Careers:

Airline Customer Service
Cruise and Tour Specialist
Hotel Reservationist Travel Agent

Related Programs:

Business Mid-Management
Management Development (Supervisory Management)
Marketing Management
Travel Services

For more information, call 414-571-4500.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

Hours per Week: r = lecture, s = lab, o = other

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.