CANDI students flourish during work experience at Maldron Hotel

Two students from City and Islington College gained valuable hands-on experience during their work placement at a four-star hotel.

A pair of City and Islington College (CANDI) students recently completed work experience placements at the Maldron Hotel in Finsbury Park. In February, Tayah Mendy and Callum Tupper, both of whom are Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism with SEND requirements, spent two weeks developing their skills at the busy four-star establishment.

Despite an early start at 8am, both students arrived for their shifts punctually each day, dressed smartly in their uniforms and ready to work. During the placement, Tayah and Callum had the opportunity to learn about the roles and responsibilities in different areas of the hotel, starting with breakfast service and later transitioning to reception duties. As part of their breakfast duties, they assisted with setup, maintained a clean and organised work environment, ensured food availability, managed guest seating and replenished items as needed. While working on reception, they helped guests with check-in and check-out, communicated with housekeeping and addressed guest queries.

The partnership between Maldron Hotel and CANDI provides students with unique learning opportunities. Maldron Hotel’s work experience placement programme offers students the chance to learn more about the inner-workings of a four-star hotel. Guided by Juanita Bailey, the Human Resources Manager, and Carlean Sam-Orhin, a HR Graduate working at the hotel, the students were able to gain practical skills such as communication, collaboration and customer service while also growing in confidence.

The students themselves were very positive about their work experience placement. Tayah was excited to expand her skills and add her experience at Maldron Hotel to her CV. She said: “Working at Maldron Hotel was a fantastic experience. I gained confidence and valuable skills for my future. I learned a lot about helping customers and teamwork, I got loads of support from the staff […] Now, I feel more confident than ever.”

Callum gained valuable insight into the hotel’s operations and experienced first-hand the sense of collaboration that keeps things moving during busy periods like match days. He would now like to pursue a career in catering and said: “It was great! I really enjoyed my time there. It showed me that I could see myself working as a waiter when I grow up.”

Both Carlean and Juanita commended Tayah and Callum for their outstanding performance. They said: “Their eagerness to learn and contribute speaks volumes about their work ethic and determination. We are thrilled to see them develop and grow during their time here.”

Congratulations Tayah and Callum on completing such a successful work experience placement!

We are committed to supporting our SEND students. Our wide range of Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses provides opportunities for learners at all levels.

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