STUDENTS in Eastleigh took over the running of a popular hotel as part of their training in hospitality.

Around 70 hospitality and catering students from Eastleigh College ran the Holiday Inn in Leigh Road to manage housekeeping, front office as well as the kitchen.

First, second and third year students were put to the task of running a four star hotel after going through a rigorous interview process.

Taking up such important roles as general manager, duty manager and head chef, the trainees took over in order to give the professional hotel staff a well-deserved break as they enjoyed their belated Christmas party.

Alastair Lawson, general manager, said: “This all started last year when we took on some students from Eastleigh College for placements. The quality of the students we got was amazing and we actually ended up employing some of them on contract, working around their college work. The great thing from my perspective is that these students have been able to experience the entire employment process from putting together a CV, having an interview and then coming along and being appointed into various roles.

“As a result, the students are in a live situation, guest facing having to make their own mark on the business.”

Katie Humphries, a level 3 professional cookery student who was a sous chef for two days, said: “It was very challenging. We had the staff party for 80, as well as other restaurant bookings so it was a busy night. Every part of this experience was new to me and it’s given me a good view of working in a hotel and made me think about it as a career choice; I haven’t decided whether it’s for me or not yet.”

The project was such a success that plans are now underway for next year’s takeover.

Sue Lyons, hospitality and catering lecturer at Eastleigh College, added: “We had an amazing weekend; the students were all very professional and it was a great experience for every student as well as the college overall. The support from the hotel was incredible and the experience it has given our students has been invaluable. Many students have worked in different job roles than they would normally be allowed and this has opened their eyes to the diversity of the industry.

“We have been invited back so that is full credit to our students for doing a fantastic job.”