Travelodge has expanded its Care to Career employability programme to London following previous delivery in Liverpool and Manchester.
Run in partnership with charity Catch22, the programme supports young people with experience of the care system to develop workplace skills, confidence and routes into hospitality employment.
The London cohort brought together young people aged between 18 and 30 from the local area.
Participants completed two days of confidence and employability workshops followed by two days of practical experience at Travelodge’s Covent Garden hotel.
Those completing the programme receive a guaranteed interview with Travelodge, providing a direct route into potential employment with the hotel operator.
Sandhiya Patel, Social Mobility Manager at Travelodge, said: “Hospitality is about people and this programme is about giving young people the opportunity, confidence and support they need to take their first steps into the workplace.
“Following the success of our Liverpool pilot and the programme we delivered in Manchester, we’ve brought ‘Care to Career’ to London.
“By combining practical skills, hands-on experience and a guaranteed interview, we hope to open the door to exciting career opportunities in hospitality.”
The London programme forms part of Travelodge’s wider plans to develop employability support for underrepresented groups, with the company exploring opportunities to extend the initiative into further regions.
Cath Forshaw, Operations Manager, CLIC Programme at Catch22, said: “Travelodge continues to set a high standard as an employer committed to supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
“The CLIC programme gives young people the opportunity to build their confidence, develop practical employability skills and gain an insight into the world of work in a supportive environment.
“We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Travelodge and bringing the programme to London.”
Catch22’s Care Leavers into Careers initiative works with care-experienced young people aged 18 to 30 to support progression into employment, apprenticeships, training or education.
Travelodge first partnered with the programme in Liverpool in 2025, with two participants subsequently joining its hotel teams.
The initiative expanded to Manchester in 2026 before its latest rollout in London.
Travelodge also published a Social Mobility Impact Report with the Purpose Coalition in 2023, examining barriers faced by people experiencing difficulties accessing employment and the role employers can play in widening opportunities.