Apprentices take over Hotel Sacher: An innovative look into the future!

Apprentices take over Hotel Sacher: An innovative look into the future!

On November 15, 2025, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg experienced a very special day: 19 apprentices took on responsibility for all operational departments of the renowned 5-star superior hotel for 24 hours. A fascinating project that not only shows management skills and personal responsibility, but also demonstrates the strengths of vocational training in tourism. Hotel director Angélique Weinberger emphasizes the innovative strength of the apprentices, who are making a valuable contribution to the future of the hotel.

The initiative is not only a successful further training, but also a sign of how important Sacher is to training future skilled workers. Around 10% of the workforce consists of apprentices who are encouraged to take on responsibility through constant support. The apprentices independently managed all departments, including reservations, service, kitchen and housekeeping, which demonstrates the immense commitment and professionalism of the young talents.

Insights into responsibility

The experiences of Katharina Aichhorn and Elena Jenisch, who acted as hotel managers for the duration of the project, were particularly striking. Chef Michael Gahleitner and F&B director Rogier Hartman supported them. The highlight of the day was a reception in the winter garden, where the apprentices proudly presented their project to the press and external guests. They were able to treat those present with delicious canapés and drinks from the apprentice kitchen.

An exhibition with photos, videos and storyboards was set up to illustrate the creative process. The apprentices thus impressively demonstrated how much work and commitment went into their project. Sacher is known not only for its hotels in Vienna and Salzburg, but also for the legendary Original Sacher Torte, created by Franz Sacher in 1832. This tradition is continued by training young talents.

Training in tourism is very popular

The importance of apprenticeship training in tourism is underlined by the diverse offerings of the vocational school for hotel and tourism management. The three-year vocational training provides both theoretical and practical specialist knowledge and opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the hotel, tourism and event sectors. At the international level, graduates also have numerous opportunities in countries such as France, Costa Rica or Antigua and Barbuda.

The training content ranges from basic business training to specializations such as bartender or sommelier. In Austria, tourism training enjoys a high international reputation, which is also reflected in the high demand for workers in the region. Flexible working hours and the chance of additional tips make careers in tourism particularly attractive.

With a solid foundation and numerous further training opportunities after the apprenticeship, for example in international hotel chains or universities of applied sciences, the apprentices' chances of a successful start to their professional life are excellent. Austrian tourism apprentices were also able to draw attention to themselves through outstanding achievements at international competitions such as WorldSkills or EuroSkills.

Overall, the project at the Hotel Sacher not only shows the skills of the apprentices, but is also an important signal to the industry that the next generation of skilled workers is ready to take on responsibility and continue the tradition of the Austrian hotel industry with fresh ideas and commitment.