Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed the first winner of its coveted Partners First Australian travel industry scholarships for 2022 with Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME).

Johanna Wood, Helloworld Travel Mackay, Mt Pleasant & Willows in Queensland’s groups and training manager, has scored a six-month mentoring experience with TIME sponsored by NCL to help her kick some serious career goals.

“I am extremely pleased and honoured to have been awarded the NCL scholarship to participate in the TIME Program,” Wood said.

“I am excited to see what the next six months will bring whilst working with my mentor and am looking forward to broadening my knowledge in many areas, including wholesale, negotiations, leadership and brand-building.

“Thank you to NCL for this amazing opportunity to further my career in the industry that we all love.”

NCL’s sales director AUNZ Damian Borg said the partnership with TIME is another example of NCL’s dedication to its Partners First Promise, and an opportunity to give back to the travel community by supporting and inspiring our industry’s future leaders to reach their full potential.

Previous TIME mentor, mentee and committee member Angela Middleton, NCL’s senior sales manager AUNZ, credits the practical program with accelerating her career, and she congratulated Johanna on her enthusiasm, drive and quality application.

“I would like to personally congratulate Johanna and wish her well during this new chapter in her travel career and I encourage other ambitious travel partners to consider applying for this rewarding initiative,” Middleton commented.

TIME’s professionally matched six-month mentor-mentee career development program invites each mentee to identify their career objectives before undertaking fortnightly one-on-one meetings with their mentor.

In return, mentors provide guidance, advice and constructive feedback to help build the mentee’s skills, knowledge and self-confidence.

Mentees learn leadership competencies and new ways of thinking while gaining invaluable professional experience and a deeper understanding of the importance of culture, vision and values to their careers.

NCL’s Partners First scholarships are specifically designed for travel agency senior consultants or owner/managers aged 18 or over who are working full-time and have at least one year’s industry experience. Interested agents can apply by clicking HERE.

Featured image: NCL’s precious and current TIME mentees; Vanessa Green, Ange Middleton and Jacinta Baker (Supplied)