Travelodge has launched the UK’s first foundation degree in Hospitality, Budget Hotel and Retail Management to service the needs of the budget hotel sector as it trebles in size over the next two decades*.
Working in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, the UK’s fastest growing hotel chain has created a bespoke foundation degree that encompasses every area of budget hotel management. The two year course focuses on teaching the theory and practice behind low-cost and retail business models which aim to deliver profit through operating effectively and efficiently. In addition, the syllabus also includes modules on human resources, food and beverage, public relations and marketing as well as comparing the operational differences between the budget sector and its four and five star counterparts.
Travelodge believes it is imperative to update the current hospitality qualifications to reflect recent changes in the hotel industry. The rise of the budget sector has meant that hospitality skills and jobs are on a completely different level to what was required in the 80s..
Chrissie Herbert, Travelodge’s Director of HR said; "There is now doubt that most of the hospitality qualifications currently available in the UK are aimed those wanting to work in five star hotels. We receive many CVs where the candidates’ skill set seems to centre on filleting ducks, sommeliere training and silver service. We are looking for strong managers that can lead a team, drive profit and deliver consistent bedroom standards everyday.
Clare Mannall, Curriculum Team Leader for Hospitality Management at Westminster Kingsway College said: “This innovative course with Travelodge will help to bridge the skills gaps in the hospitality industry at all levels. Westminster Kingsway College’s Foundation Degree in Hospitality Management is recognised as one of the most innovative programmes in the industry and has been adapted to meet the needs of the budget sector with Travelodge. We are working with a number of employers to provide programmes that upskill the workforce and improves productivity and motivation amongst employees.”
Travelodge has enrolled 12 staff on the new course ranging from assistant hotel manager to district manager level. Each staff member will be given study leave and constant support from the Travelodge learning and development team to ensure they graduate in 2010.
In May 2007 Travelodge announced plans to recruit over 10,000 new staff as part of its unprecedented UK growth drive.
Chrissie Herbert continued: “Working in a budget hotel is more like working for Tesco or Sainsbury’s – in fact we call ourselves ‘Retailers of Sleep’ rather than a hotel company. Our growth plans will create over 10,000 jobs in the UK including 1,000 at managerial level. Our biggest challenge is finding the right people to work for us.”
In addition, Travelodge is also launching its first ever graduate scheme where candidates have a clear route to managing up to 15 hotels and 300 staff within four years of joining. The hotel chain also currently offers a 12-week fast track to management training programme where all staff can enrol to become hotel managers.
For more information or to apply for one of Travelodge’s 10,000 new jobs log on to www.travelodge.co.uk/careers and submit your CV.