A YORK hotel manager is enjoying promotion after becoming one of the UK’s first hotel management apprentices.

Adam Iyer, 26, has moved into a management position at Travelodge York Micklegate two years after starting on the UK’s first ever budget hotel management apprenticeship programme for school leavers.

Mr Iyer, who lives in York, was one of 17 to complete the scheme after completing A-Levels at Pocklington School, and is now managing a team of 20 staff at the 104-room hotel.

He said: “The JuMP programme has given my career in hospitality a real boost and a real sense of structure. I have been able to continue my education, whilst learning the skills that will enable me to manage my hotel one day.”

Jon Hendry Pickup, chief operating officer for Travelodge, said: “We are extremely proud to see Adam graduate from the UK’s first hotel management apprenticeship programme.

“I expect him to be the first of many, as the calibre of our intake has been very high.

“Adam is a great example to other young people, demonstrating that you can have a successful career without going to university.”