Carolin von Arend, a trainee at Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort, has won the title of best hotel management specialist at the Baden-Württemberg Youth Championships for hospitality apprenticeships. Organized by DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg, the competition took place on June 25 and 26 in Villingen-Schwenningen, showcasing the skills of emerging talents in the industry.
Outstanding Performance in the Final Round
The Baden-Württemberg Youth Championships target third-year apprentices under 29 years old, nominated by their training companies or vocational schools. Around 60 participants completed a digital theory exam in May at the state vocational schools in Bad Überkingen, Calw, Villingen-Schwenningen, and Tettnang. Only 35 advanced to the final round. Carolin von Arend impressed in practical tests, including conducting a check-in in English and presenting a fictional hotel’s sustainability concept. A jury of vocational instructors and industry experts evaluated the performances and named her the top hotel management specialist.
Path to the German Youth Championships
Carolin von Arend will represent Baden-Württemberg at the German Youth Championships for hospitality apprenticeships this autumn. The event will be held at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Petersberg in Bonn/Königswinter. Alongside Simon Kotscherowski, the 20-year-old top chef from Gasthof Adler in Ratshausen, and Lilli Hermann, the 23-year-old best specialist for restaurant and event catering from Gasthaus Rössle in Elzach, she will compete against top talents from 17 DEHOGA regional associations.
Europa-Park as a Leading Training Hub
Europa-Park ranks among the top training institutions in the leisure and tourism sector. Currently, around 200 apprentices are honing their skills in 35 recognized professions. The offerings span hospitality, gastronomy, technology, crafts, administration, event management, and personnel services. This diversity makes the Erlebnis-Resort an appealing destination for young professionals seeking comprehensive vocational training.
DEHOGA Celebrates Emerging Talent
Fritz Engelhardt, Chairman of DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg, congratulated Carolin von Arend and her training institution, stating: “We warmly congratulate Carolin von Arend and her training company on this great success.” He emphasized the vital role of young professionals in driving innovation and embracing changes in the hospitality industry. Engelhardt noted that these talents shape the future by integrating new developments into daily operations. The competition, now in its 43rd year, is the largest of its kind for the hospitality sector in Baden-Württemberg.
