The budget hotel chain yesterday commenced the programme with 33 apprentices. The scheme titled JuMP (Junior Management Programme) is a fast track route into management and provides A-level students (18+) with a real alternative to going to university.
On this programme school leavers can continue their education, obtain work experience, receive a salary and become a manager by the age of 21. JuMP has been developed to support Travelodge's aggressive growth strategy. In addition, to supporting the Government's appeal for British companies to generate more high value apprenticeship placements.
Travelodge has a target to have 1,100 hotels by 2025 and to fuel this strategy, the JuMP programme will provide a pipeline of new management talent. Travelodge is offering 500 management apprenticeships and by 2015, 40-50% of new hotels will be managed by JuMP apprentices. Guy Parsons, Travelodge CEO (pictured with some of the apprentices), said: "I have been overwhelmed by the interest we have had for our new JuMP programme. During the recruitment period we were inundated with thousands of applications.
"The calibre of candidates has been outstanding. I am so looking forward to watching our new apprentices develop into future leaders of our business. "At the end of the year, we will start the recruitment process for our 2012 class, where we are looking to fulfil 125 positions."
Skills minister, John Hayes added: "Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to get the training they need to build successful careers, and for businesses to train a new generation of employees with the skills that drive growth. I applaud Travelodge for its commitment to apprenticeships; and with additional funding of £180m in this budget alone, this government is enabling more employers to follow its lead". On the Travelodge JuMP scheme, apprentices will experience practical, vocational learning in hotel management, retail, operations, marketing and customer service.
Apprentices will attain a L2 Apprenticeship in Multi Skilled Hospitality and a L3 Diploma (Advanced Apprenticeship) in hospitality Supervision & Leadership. Upon completing the apprenticeship programme apprentices will undertake the Travelodge in house 12 week management programme and then graduate to a management role. A JuMP apprentice is expected to earn in total between £25,000 to £30,000 from training to graduation.
