Travelodge has launched its latest recruitment programme targeting students, offering flexible working hours and the ability to transfer jobs between study locations and home.
The budget hotel operator is looking to fill 3,000 jobs this summer (2,200 permanent positions and 800 summer season jobs) by tapping into Britain’s two million student pool. Positions include roles in reception, restaurants and housekeeping.
Peter Gowers, Travelodge chief executive, (pictured) 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.”
The programme also offers a work buddy system and access to its in-house management development programme Aspire. All jobs will have guaranteed hours and benefits including discount hotel stays.
To design the initiative, the hotel chain surveyed 1,500 of its student employees. Key findings revealed that 62% of students are working between eight and 24 hours per week to make ends meet and over half (51%) of studying adults reported that working is essential in order to fund their studying. The average British student is forking out nearly £20,000 annually – £9.5k on tuition fees and around £10,680 to cover the cost of living.
The scheme supports Travelodge’s parent’s programme, which was launched earlier this year, with the summer school holidays a challenging time for working parents but a key working period for students.