New Holiday Inn Partnership Aims to Boost Local Hospitality Interest
In a bid to put hospitality in the local area back on the map, Rotherham College has partnered with the Holiday Inn Rotherham to increase recruitment in the hospitality industry and offer practical experience to local learners.
The partnership has seen Level 3 Travel and Tourism learners from the College complete a one-week ‘takeover’ of the hotel. This included shadowing staff and taking on a variety of roles across operations, the bar, restaurant, and events.
Lisa Bramley, Curriculum Team Leader of Travel and Tourism and Chloe Mulholland, Lecturer of Travel and Tourism were instrumental in developing the partnership.
Lisa said: “Hospitality is a module we cover as part of the Travel and Tourism course. This partnership is great for the College and the industry. We are really happy to be working with a local hospitality venue that also runs great events – something that many of our students want to progress in. It’s a great opportunity for our students; work experience is invaluable in showing the students what they can achieve from completing this qualification and the progression opportunities available to them.”
Holiday Inn Operations Manager Vickie Adsetts was also key to driving forward the partnership and arranging the learners’ placements.
Vickie said: “We are told a lot of people don’t want to go into hospitality anymore, often because of the stigma around working long hours – so we’re keen to show it’s not always about that, it’s about how much someone can enjoy it and learn crucial skills like dealing with the general public, coaching other members of staff, being professional, and working in a team.”
She continued: “It’s the first time we’ve done this across so many departments. I think the learners have enjoyed it and they’ve done a really good job.”
Lisa said: “We assigned placements to learners we felt would get the most out of the experience, would be reliable to attend and make us proud – which they all have.”
To celebrate the learners’ success, an awards evening will be hosted at the hotel on 3rd April and will include awards, arrival drinks and canapes.