School pupils run Lancashire hotel for the day

21 March 2013 by Janet Harmer

Sixteen school students gained an insight into the workings of the hospitality industry when they rolled up their sleeves to run a Lancashire hotel for a day.

Organised by hotel owner and operator, Starboard Hotels, the initiative saw the pupils, aged 14 and 15, from the Sir John Thursby School in Burnley, getting involved in all the key roles required to manage the 102-bedroom Holiday Inn Express Burnley.

Kerian Barnes, Starboard Hotels' regional general manager and general manager of the hotel said: "Young people are the future of hospitality and the event provided the with an understanding that running a hotel involves much more than just front of house."

"There is a variety of work that goes on behind the scenes and the experience day has encouraged students who may not have planned for a career in hospitality to see that there is so much more variety."

The students used their numeracy, literacy and communication skills, but in more vocational roles, working alongside the hotel's front desk, housekeeping, marketing, accounts and revenue and food and beverage teams. During the day, they also prepared and hosted the breakfast and lunch service.

"We were really impressed by the enthusiasm and quality the students showed on the day and have no doubt, that if they do chose this as a career, the hospitality industry will be in very good hands," Barnes added.

Starboard Hotels current portfolio of properties, alongside the Holiday Inn Express Burnley, includes the Days Inn Wetherby and Smart City Hostels, Edinburgh.