THE best possible work experience opportunity has been made to level three travel and tourism students who took over running a hotel for a week.

Seventeen students from Bradford College were chosen following interviews to spend a week working in a variety of departments with staff from the Holiday Inn, in Brighouse.

Simone Sabova, 20, who worked alongside staff in the leisure club said: “I have really enjoyed the week and learned a lot about the industry. It has been amazing to be here.”

Dorin Brzezinski, 17, spent a week on reception.

“It was very useful and got us interacting with guests, learning how to book guests in and welcoming them. It was really interesting and helped build our confidence,” he said.

Sophie Buttery, 17, worked alongside the duty manager.

“I worked in all departments covering different shifts. I have enjoyed the week and gained a lot of experience in how a hotel is run,” she said.

Iqra Ahmed, also 17, and who worked in conference and events said: “The work experience has really helped boost confidence among students and helped us bond together more. It has been really different and good experience for everyone.”

Course tutor at Bradford College Sarah O’Connell said: “It has been a huge success.

“The students were able to engage in all areas of the hotel and have really learned a lot and enjoyed it. The staff have been brilliant.”

Kate Green, operations manager at Holliday Inn said: “It is the first time we have taken students in like this and is has worked really well.

“There were students working in all parts of the hotel from reception to the bar and lounge, conference and banqueting, shadowing managers, the leisure centre, sales office and even in maintenance.

“They have been able to gain experience of how things are run and have been given tasks to do rather than just shadow staff. “They have been fabulous and we will definitely have students again next year.”

All the students had to apply for the week’s placement with a CV, a covering letter and attend an interview.

The week concluded yesterday with friends and family attending and served lunch.