Speaking with travelBulletin‘s sister publication Travel Daily about the industry training organisation’s refreshed plans, head of strategy & partnerships, Monica Godfrey, said that earning micro-credentials was one of the key ways to help plug skills gaps.
“Learners want shorter, more flexible experiences, and micro-credentials that can stack into formal qualifications – or be taken individually to fill specific skill gaps – will become increasingly important,” Godfrey contended.
While there is still a place for formal qualifications, which Godfrey said the industry is now working well to evolve, there needs to be a shift towards more tailored training beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
Part of this push has seen Cornerstone undergo a full brand refresh to become more visually engaging and reflective of the energy and appeal of the industry, including a new logo and website.
The organisation has also launched the preliminary version of its MyTravelCareer platform HERE, specifically designed for new entrants, with more functionality to be added soon.
Content to be introduced will include the ability to complete DISC profiles, which will identify what area of the travel sector new talent are best suited to.
Cornerstone’s DISC project will be formally debuted at the Careers & Employment Expo in Adelaide in May, with an “exciting” new AI project to follow at a yet-to-be-confirmed date.
The concept will introduce AI-powered job simulations, giving potential entrants the chance to “try before they train” and better understand different roles.
Another area of focus for Cornerstone will be working closely with travel businesses to encourage traineeships as part of the rebuilding of talent pipelines.
“There has…been stigma around traineeships, but in reality, they offer strong benefits to employers,” Godfrey said.
The final pillar of Cornerstone’s push is helping to evolve travel courses in a “rapidly changing world”, Godfrey said, adding the sector needs to ensure technical skills are current, like NDC, but equally focus on the human skills that technology cannot replace.
Cornerstone was bought personally by Gary Reichenberg late last year.
