Travelodge launches work experience programme as it opens 60th London hotel
Travelodge has committed to hiring around 50 work experience candidates a year as part of a new programme to tackle unemployment in London.
The budget hotel chain made the announcement as it opened its 60th hotel in the capital, the 148-room London Vauxhall Travelodge, which was officially opened by Kit Malthouse, the deputy mayor of London for business and enterprise.
As part of the scheme each 18-24 year old work experience candidate will be paid the national minimum wage while gaining experience in hospitality. They must have been out of work for more than nine months before applying through Job Centre Plus.
Through a trial of the scheme last year Travelodge made 11 permanent appointments in central London hotels.
Travelodge chief executive Grant Hearn said: "As London's biggest hotel brand, we are delighted to be launching a new work experience programme to help young Londoners start a career in one of the UK's top performing business sectors.
"In today's economic climate, we have to ensure that all young people get the skills that they need to succeed and I truly believe that work experience can be the key that opens the door to a successful career.
"The opening of our 60th hotel in London is just the beginning for us, as we looking to open a further 145 hotels across the capital. This growth strategy will certainly generate hundreds of vital work experience placements to help 18 to 24 year olds into employment."
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