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 as Bradford College’s Level 3 Year 1 Travel and Tourism students took over key operations at The Leonardo Hotel for a full week of 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.

Hotel Manager, Emma Rhodes prasied the students’ enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the week.

“You never quite know what to expect when a new group arrives, but the students have been fantastic. They came in quiet during the induction, but once they got started, they were open, chatty, and willing to get stuck in. Their attitude and professionalism have made the whole experience really positive.”

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

Hands-On Experience That Brings the Industry to Life

• 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.

Students involved in the takeover said the experience boosted their confidence and gave them valuable insight into the hospitality industry.

“I really enjoyed the experience, especially getting to meet and interact with new customers. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the staff were so supportive that I felt confident and accepted. It’s helped me see how important real experience is in the hospitality industry,” Alyssa, Level 3 Travel & Tourism Student.

“I loved every minute of the takeover. The staff were amazing and I learned so much by handling real situations, including customer complaints. This experience has really boosted my confidence and confirmed that gaining hands‑on experience is just as important as qualifications,” Malaika, Level 3 Travel & Tourism Student.

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.