Travelodge launches dual workplace student recruitment programme

Travelodge, the branded budget hotel chain which operates over 560 UK hotels, has launched a new dual workplace programme offering 3,000 jobs to Britain’s 2 million students as it seeks to find ways to avoid skills shortage.

This bespoke programme is the first of its kind to offer students a permanent job with flexible working hours designed around their study programme in their university and home locations. It also offers a work buddy and access to the in-house management development programme called Aspire, so that students can expand their skill set whilst studying.

With 560 hotels across the length and breadth of the country, there is a Travelodge hotel close to most of the UK’s major universities and colleges giving students easy access to work at a Travelodge close to where they study and then transfer their job to a hotel closer to home during the holidays.

Travelodge has 3,000 jobs that need to be filled this summer this includes 2,200 permanent positions and 800 summer season jobs across the UK. Positions include roles in reception, restaurants and housekeeping.

To design this new initiative, the hotel chain surveyed 1,500 of its student employees to gain further insight into the student recruitment pool of talent. Key findings revealed that 62% of students are working between 8 to 24 hours per week to make ends meet. Over half (51% of studying adults reported that working is essential in order to fund their studying. Eight out of 10 (80%) students reported that working at Travelodge is not just a job but it is helping to them to enhance their skill set and gain invaluable real team work experience.

Peter Gowers, Travelodge, chief executive said: “Today’s students have to study harder than ever and meet the rising costs of education. With more than 560 hotels across the UK, Travelodge is uniquely placed to offer you a role in your university location during term-time and in your home town during the vacation.

“Our new student programme gives you flexibility during your studies and the potential to build a longer-term career after graduation – a better way to earn while you learn.”