Travelodge's first JuMP apprentices graduate to become hotel managers

Launched in 2011, JuMP is designed to provide A-level students with an alternative to going to university. Under the two-year programme, school leavers continue their education, obtain work experience, receive a salary, and become a manager by the age of 21.

The bespoke scheme was developed in support of the Chancellor’s appeal for British companies to generate more high value apprenticeship placements in a bid to help the one million out-of-work youngsters into the workplace.

With more than 50 apprentices currently enrolled on the scheme UK-wide, Travelodge said it received more than 6,000 applications for 51 placements this year – equal to more than 117 applications per place.

Apprenticeship drive​

Travelodge said it planned to recruit 80 JuMP apprentices in 2014. It followed a call in March by the organisers of National Apprenticeship Week for hoteliers to employ more apprentices​. Hotel chain Accor also announced plans to increase its apprenticeship programme this year.

The hotel operator has set itself a target of employing three-quarters of all its hotel managers internally.

As well as receiving a salary throughout the programme, graduates are able to continue their education – attaining a Level Two Apprenticeship in Multi Skilled Hospitality and a Level Three Diploma (Advanced Apprenticeship) in Hospitality Supervision & Leadership.

They have also gained practical and vocational learning in hotel management, retail, operations, marketing and customer service.

First of many​

Jon Hendry Pickup, Travelodge chief operating officer, said: “We are extremely proud to see 17 JuMP apprentices graduate from the UK’s first hotel management apprenticeship programme.

“I expect them to be the first of many, as the calibre of our intake has been very high. They are a great example to other young people, demonstrating that you can have a successful career without going to university.”

Hendry Pickup added: “I am sure that today is a landmark moment for our apprentices, working in a successful company and industry. I am confident that we will see them climb the career ladder at Travelodge.

Earlier this week, Premier Inn pledged an additional 2,000 apprenticeships and 4,500 work placements for young people in the UK by 2018.​ It’s part of a wider strategy to create 8,000 new jobs for unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds over five years.