For Paula Osiander, working in the hospitality and events industry has always been a family affair. For as long as she can remember, her father has owned and operated a restaurant outside Ingolstadt, Germany. Growing up, she observed first hand the importance of delivering customer care to make sure guests feel welcome and encouraged to return.

Already equipped with knowledge of the restaurant business, Paula wanted an immersive apprenticeship programme that would allow for a seamless transition into a full-time role.

“Far too often, graduates enter the workforce with only theoretical knowledge and no hands-on experience. With a comprehensive three-year programme, Maritim Hotels provides students with comprehensive training in every facet of the hospitality and events industry. I knew the programme would allow me to hit the ground running once I entered the professional workforce. The fact that it could be combined with external education made it ideal.” says Paula

Beginning at the Maritim Ulm Hotel and Congress Centre in Southern Germany, Paula received step by step training in key areas of the hospitality and events industry, including banqueting, catering, concierge and housekeeping. Paula also participated in fact finding trips which are regularly taken to provide students with insight into unique regional attractions, facilities and amenities. At a local vineyard, Paula gained specialist insight into wine manufacturing and pairing options which can be served with Maritim’s award winning menu. 

As part of a final assessment, Paula and other students were tasked with organising a parent's complimentary weekend at the hotel.  Putting what they learnt into practice, the students created and delivered a bespoke trip and oversaw all aspects of their visit, from creating the menus, choosing rooms and welcoming everyone during check-in, to designing a private dinner, along with bespoke cocktails and entertainment.

After briefly working as a Sales Trainee, Paula was promoted to Assistant to Director of International Sales in London. Day to day responsibilities include assisting in responding to and developing request for proposals (RFPs) and roadshows. Paula also helps to develop and expand corporate conference and events and leisure bookings across the Indian, Japanese and Brazilian markets.

Summing up her Apprenticeship Programme experience, Paula says: “Maritim excels at developing and nurturing the next generation of event professionals. Their values, along with a commitment to unparalleled world class service, continues to help me learn and grow as I serve my clients as a full Maritim team member”.

Mark Spivey, International Sales Director, says: “Investing in the next generation of professionals has always been a core principle of Maritim Hotels.  As a business, our most valuable asset is our staff and we are extremely proud of our Apprenticeship Programme, which ensures graduates are equipped and trained to the highest standard to continue providing Maritim’s world class service.”

With 33 locations across Germany as well as hotels in Mauritius, Egypt, Turkey, Malta and China, The Maritim Hotelgesellschaft is Germany’s largest owner-managed hotel group. Its portfolio includes centrally located city hotels, conveniently located airport hotels, coastal beach resorts, lakeside family hotels, course-adjoining golf hotels and parkland spa hotels.

For more information about Maritim, please visit www.maritim.com/en/home