Travelodge has moved back into profit after the major restructuring to manage its debt burden. Its accounts for the year to 31 December 2013 show turnover rising to £426 million (from £391 million), and profit of £37.3 million.
Meanwhile, its hotel refurbishment programme continues, and it has just announced it is looking to fill 206 new jobs across the country in the lead up to Christmas 2014.
6 new hotels
This includes 126 jobs that need to be filled to support the opening of six new Travelodge hotels. The new openings are in Southampton, Llandudno, Raynes Park, Wembley, Greenwich and Egham. Positions include: Hotel Manager, Receptionist, Team Member, Guest Room Cleaner and Bar Café roles.
40 apprentices
The hotel chain which operates 513 hotels in the UK is also looking to recruit 40 apprentices across the country for its successful junior management programme (JuMP). This is the UK’s first budget hotel management apprenticeship programme for school leavers.
The JuMP programme provides a fast track route into management and gives A-level students (18+) an alternative to going to university. On the programme school leavers can continue their education, obtain work experience, receive a salary and become a manager by the age of 21.
Travelodge launched the programme in 2011, with the first class of apprentices graduating in November 2013. Today over 30 graduates manage their own Travelodge hotel, and another 55 apprentices are currently completing the course.
40 at Head Office
The remaining 40 jobs are for positions at Travelodge’s head office in Thame, Oxfordshire, in the following departments: Customer Services, Revenue Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, IT and Finance.
Great customer service
Jon Hendry Pickup, Chief Operating Officer for Travelodge said:
“We are looking for highly motivated people who are passionate about delivering great customer service. At Travelodge we are totally committed to developing our people, and we offer a range of further education and training opportunities to help individuals climb the career ladder. Our bespoke in-house management programme offers a direct route into management, and to date over 400 Travelodge employees have graduated into a management position this way.
“Our apprenticeship programme offers school leavers a direct route into management, demonstrating that you can have a successful career without going to university. With Travelodge you don’t just get a job, but a long-term career within a growing company that’s part of a dynamic industry.”
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