Bradford College Travel & Tourism Students Take Over The Leonardo Hotel in City Centre

Bradford city centre saw a surge of professionalism, confidence, and future talent last week as Bradford College’s Level 3 Year 1 Travel and Tourism students took over key operations at The Leonardo Hotel for a full week immersive industry experience.

The “Hotel Takeover,” part of the College’s commitment to providing real-world, career-focused learning, offered students the rare opportunity to run the hotel’s core departments first-hand, from front-of-house operations and guest check-ins to housekeeping, food and beverage preparation, and customer service management.

The Leonardo Hotel opened its doors and entrusted students with genuine responsibilities under the mentorship of its expert staff. Together, the College and Hotel created an inspiring environment that blended education with industry expectations.

Hands-On Experience That Brings the Industry to Life

Throughout the takeover, students stepped into professional roles that allowed them to:

• Welcome and assist real hotel guests
• Shadow key managers and staff
• Experience behind-the-scenes operations
• Respond to live customer enquiries
• Understand daily hotel logistics and team communication
• Learn new skills in leadership, service delivery, and professionalism

This practical experience gives Travel and Tourism learners a vital competitive edge as they prepare for careers in one of the fastest-paced and most people-focused industries in the world.

A Collaboration That Strengthens Bradford

The partnership between Bradford College and The Leonardo Hotel highlights a shared commitment to developing Bradford’s future workforce and celebrating the city’s growing visitor economy.

By offering authentic workplace experiences, the Leonardo team is helping shape confident, work-ready students who can progress into apprenticeships, full-time employment, or further study within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

A Platform for Future Opportunities

Bradford College staff praised the students for their professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the takeover.

The Leonardo team also expressed admiration for the students’ positive attitudes, teamwork, and willingness to engage with every part of hotel life. The event has already sparked discussions about future collaborations, additional work placements, and potential career pathways for learners.

This successful Hotel Takeover not only showcased the talent and potential of Bradford College students but also demonstrated the power of strong local partnerships in building opportunities for young people across the region.