Antoine Sitz at the Ritz for dream degree work placement

A French hospitality undergraduate at UCB has completed a dream work placement at one of the world’s most renowned hotels in his home country.

Through the hired@UCB team, Antoine Sitz won an interview at the Ritz in Paris and impressing hotel bosses, was invited on the placement – an integral part of his course - last January.

His first duties were in the stewarding department, learning about the day-to-day management of around 35 staff members, ensuring duties were completed correctly and that employees had excellent attendance.

Antoine, a third year BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management student at UCB, also helped prepare materials for day-to-day events at the hotel and manage the inventory and point of sales, as well as being tasked with sending emails to suppliers for new stock.

After that, the 20-year-old had the chance to work on reception, in housekeeping to understand the intricacies of room inspections and as a concierge.

Rowena Burton, year manager for hospitality courses at UCB who, as his placement mentor, visited Antoine in Paris in July, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Antoine to gain work experience at such a prestigious and world-renowned hotel.

“His father, Vincent Sitz, is president for the Training and Employment Commission of the GNI, the biggest employer’s organisation for hotels and restaurants in France, and is keen to help UCB students to complete placements in the country.

“He has been in communication with hired@UCB and we hope that this will lead to further opportunities in the future.”

During Rowena’s visit, hosted by the Director of HR at the Ritz, she had an extensive tour of the hotel, including the Charlie Chaplin and Windsor suites, and had the chance to see the École Ritz Escoffier, where French know-how is taught to aspiring professionals of cookery.

Find out more about UCB’s hospitality courses.