Latest news: InterContinental Hotels to create 3,000 jobs

The business behind the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza chain of hotels is set to create 3,000 jobs in the UK and also plans to launch a hospitality training academy in London. 24/02/2012

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) aims to create an extra 3,000 jobs across its 275 UK hotels in the next three years, supported by an academy based near the Olympic stadium in east London.

Two new hotels will be opened in time for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 140 jobs already up for grabs.

The academy will be run in conjunction with Newham College, with the focus on supplying local people with hospitality training and practical work experience.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was at the launch of the academy, calling the IHG programme ‘fantastic news’.

‘The British service sector is world-beating and will soon welcome millions of guests to enjoy London 2012, but reaching this gold standard requires investment in people,’ he said.

‘IHG are leading the way in their sector through a tailored academy programme. It’s an added investment that means young people can learn the skills for the industry in a local college, and then start their career in a local hotel,’ he added.

Students enrolling at the college will be able to take a six month course allowing them to qualify for a Hospitality Level Two Diploma, which in turn will give them the opportunity to apply for roles with IHG.