AN EASTLEIGH hotel has agreed to hand over the reins to 70 college students for two days.

The hospitality and catering students will fill senior and lower level roles, including general manager and head chef positions at the Holiday Inn.

The project was the brain child of Eastleigh College staff, who say it will let the students experience the pressures, challenges and rewards of working in a four star hotel.

Second and third year students will act as general, duty, and housekeeping managers, and head chef, whilst first year students will apply for bar assistant, commis chef, accountant and reception roles.

Level 3 student, Dominik Piotrowski, said: “It’s a great opportunity to experience first-hand what it’s like working in the industry. I am applying for the role of general manager, and this process has made me look at other hotels and what’s required for such jobs. I like a challenge and what better way to learn the job other than doing it.”

The students will have to apply for the roles before going through a rigorous interview process, and induction and training programme once selected.

Sue Lyons, hospitality and catering lecturer at the college, said: “It is a great new project. We believe this a tremendous opportunity for our students and the department, as well as building a great relationship with such a reputable local establishment. We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to do this.”

Alistair Lawson, Holiday Inn general manager, said: “I do hope that everyone involved will enjoy the opportunity and if successful we hope to make this an annual event.”

The college’s hospitality and catering department was recently accredited by the InterContinental Hotels Group IHG Academy programme.