Manelisi Billy
“Do not limit yourself, it is possible to do an apprenticeship abroad”
Hotel Specialist at Kempinski Hoteliers
1. Why did you decide to do this apprenticeship in Germany?
I had previously lived in Germany during my volunteer year. During this time, I learnt a lot about Germany and the culture. I also had the chance to meet people from other countries, and this intrigued me. I had originally intended to study International Business Management but realized that this apprenticeship could offer me a similar experience whilst providing me with valuable on-the-job training.
2. How did you prepare yourself and how did the application process go?
Since the apprenticeship I am doing requires excellent communication skills, I knew that it was important that I continue improving my language skills. I attended German classes and worked as an au pair before beginning with the apprenticeship. I applied via a job portal and was required to submit my CV, motivational letter and certificates. My interview took place online, and thereafter I was offered a place as an apprentice.
3. What personal and professional requirements do you think are important for this occupation?
You must be curious about the world and other cultures to be successful in this sector. The job requires someone who shows initiative and enjoys solving problems, as it is crucial that our guests feel welcome at the hotel. Punctuality and professionalism are vital as the job can be demanding and stressful. Even with all the challenges, I think the job is very rewarding because you meet people from all walks of life. Having lived in Germany as an au pair, I was able to understand the culture and this helped when I started the apprenticeship.
4. What do you learn at the vocational school and what do you learn at the company?
The vocational school offers a wide spectrum of job specific content that covers all the areas of the hotel that you can possibly work in. For example, we are taught about drinks and food, particularly their origins and how these are prepared correctly. This helps me immensely when making recommendations to the guests. Other subjects include merchandise management, guest orientation and hotel organization. We are also offered an English course so that we can communicate in more than one language.
At the hotel, we rotate between departments such as housekeeping, front of house and the restaurant. Depending on the size of the hotel, the tasks can range from coordinating bookings, assisting in the kitchen, taking orders and the preparing of guest rooms.
5. What advice do you have for South Africans who are interested in an apprenticeship?
Learning German can open a world of opportunities. Not only will it help you further your career, but it will allow you to develop personally. Inform yourself, whether it is through the internet or through contacts and find out what other options exist besides studying at university.
6. What tasks are you responsible for today?
Currently, I am part of the “food and beverage” section. Here I have the chance to see how food is prepared and since I am still in the learning phase, I get to assist a lot with taking orders, serving food and drinks as well as setting up.
7. Which tasks do you enjoy the most and why?
I am someone who enjoys human interaction and communicating, hence my favourite task is the contact I have with our international guests. I enjoy welcoming guests and giving recommendations. Since I work in a five-star hotel, the most rewarding part of my job is when the guests let me know that they will return because of the excellent service we provided.
8. And after the apprenticeship? What are your career goals?
Since the hotel and restaurant industry is a well sought-after industry that is a vital part of a thriving economy, I would like to continue studying at university and complete a degree as a hotel specialist. I would also like to open a hotel where I can provide excellent service to international guests.
This interview was conducted by Sinenhlanhla Buthelezi. We are lucky to have Buthelezi in the media development department of the Deutsche Welle Academy.