Hospitality is a highly competitive, fast-paced field. To build a career, you need real-world skills as well as in-depth knowledge. Kenvale College graduates enjoy a 100 per cent employment rate, aided by our industry placement learning structure and connections.
Radisson Blu Sydney is one of Kenvale College's industry partners, and has been hiring our students for over 10 years. We spoke with Radisson Blu Director of Human Resources, Andrew Hecker, to find out why they love Kenvale students as much as we do.
About Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu is an international network of high-end hotels, comprised of 380 open or upcoming venues across the globe. Populating dynamic major cities, airport gateways and high-profile leisure destinations, each hotel provides an individual yet distinctly "Blu" experience to their customers.
The chain's only Australian branch here in Sydney lies within a heritage sandstone facade in the civic heart of the CBD. Walking distance to iconic sites such as the Queen Victoria Building and the Sydney Opera House, the hotel represents domestic Australian hospitality and world-class excellence in effortless harmony. With 338 rooms, 26 suites, meeting rooms, a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and high tea functions, this full-service hotel is the ideal introduction to the fast-paced and exciting world of hospitality.
Radisson Blu opportunities for Kenvale students
For over 10 years, Radisson Blu Sydney has hired Kenvale students, according to Andrew. Most recently, they hired five students straight out of high school.
"What's unique about Kenvale is that it's Australia's first dedicated hospitality school, and that study fits around work - not vice versa."
According to Andrew, this means that Kenvale students at Radisson Blu aren't treated as interns; they're a genuine part of the team. Students are required to interview for the roles just as they would with regular employment, and receive the same pay and benefits as other employees.
With total transparency between Kenvale and Radisson Blu, rostering according to class schedules and days off is managed with ease - ensuring students get the best balance of work, study and life.
Those who are willing to learn and have a natural curiosity can be trained from scratch, providing an incredible opportunity for students and building employability.
"Kenvale students are always enthusiastic, polite and grateful for the experience. They often excel in high school and have been involved in local community work," says Andrew.
Students have historically been employed in a range of roles at Radisson Blu Sydney including:
- Food and beverage attendance.
- Guest service and front desk.
- Kitchen roles.
- Operational roles.
Kenvale students enjoy a start to their career in a supportive workplace at Radisson Blu.
Why work at Radisson Blu
Beyond granting a fantastic opportunity to launch your career, Radisson Blu boasts a number of cultural benefits that have seen many students continue their work in the company after they graduate. Andrew outlines three of the Radisson Blu values:
- "We grow talent, talent grows us" - Just like Kenvale, Radisson Blu has a genuine investment in your career development.
- "We have fun in all that we do" - The workplace culture is built around finding fun in every task.
- "We deliver memorable moments every day, everywhere, every time" - With a sincere mission to create meaningful moments in customers lives, that everyday joy is passed on to Radisson Blu staff.
Further to these values, Andrew recounts that previous employed students have climbed to roles such as the Guest Relationships Manager, enjoyed lateral movement within the many departments of the hotel, and have furthered their career outside of Radisson Blu as well.
Why study at Kenvale College
"If anyone was going to hospitality I would genuinely recommend Kenvale," says Andrew. "It has the reputation of the first hospitality college in Australia, lots of experience, they're very unique and great to work with. They work around the industry and make the focus working in the industry rather than just going to the college. You get a formal education as well as a genuine career start."
Kenvale College is where your career in hospitality begins. To find out more about hospitality career pathways, speak to a course advisor today.
