17 London students have spent the past week running Crown Plaza London – The City as part of InterContinental Hotel Group’s (IHG’s) National Hotel Takeover to encourage more young people in the hospitality industry.
Aged between 16 and 18, the students have ran a range of aspects throughout the hotel, from checking-in to serving food to even running housekeeping and room service.
Shadowed by hotel department managers, they were given the practical opportunity to almost totally run a fully functioning hotel, complementing their classroom training.
Taking place in partnership with People 1st and as part of the IHG Academy, the hotel giant is collaborating with educational providers and community groups to help local people build their hospitality skills and improve their employability.
Since 2013, more than 47,000 people have benefitted from the IHG Academy across 2,133 programmes in 79 countries.
The Newham College London students began their working day with the standard hotel Morning Meeting before making their way to their respective departments. Group activities include changing the linens in the guest bedrooms for the Housekeeping department, a Dim Sum Master Class at the hotels AA Rosette award winning restaurant Chinese Cricket Club and a final day of presentations from each student on what they learnt from their working week.
“We’re really delighted to be participating in the takeover,” said Paul Watson, General Manager of Crowne Plaza London – The City. “This is the 18th year this initiative has been running and it’s proven to be a hugely successful recruitment tool.”
Crowne Plaza London – The City, located in the Square Mile opposite Blackfriars station is among 34 IHG hotels across the U.K. to be participating in the takeover, aimed at encouraging more people to choose careers in hospitality.
“Some of our best team members, even a former General Manager, participated in the takeover as students and we look forward to giving the class of 2018 valuable on the job training and experience.”
