The decision on a career isn’t made on the first day of an apprenticeship
Anyone wishing to inspire young people to pursue an apprenticeship in the hospitality industry must reach them early on, before they start writing applications and setting their career paths. The vocatium 2026 apprenticeship fair in Potsdam from September 29 to 30 once again provided a platform for precisely this purpose. It brought together pupils in Years 8 to 10 with industry representatives, companies and trainers, and created space for personal discussions and initial career guidance.
The appointments arranged in advance were particularly valuable. The young people did not visit the stands by chance, but had deliberately signed up to engage with companies. They wanted to know what prospects an apprenticeship offers and what everyday working life is like.
DEHOGA Brandenburg made the most of this opportunity. At its joint stand, pupils were able to speak directly with industry representatives and trainers, ask questions and gain an insight into the working world of kitchens, restaurants and hotels. For many young people, this interaction during the fair was important. A career becomes tangible when you speak to people who practise it every day.
At the same time, it gave businesses the opportunity to spark interest in the sector, get to know potential apprentices and establish contacts at an early stage. Recruiting the next generation does not begin with the job interview, but with encounters that spark curiosity and enthusiasm.
Brandenburg’s hospitality sector has a lot to offer: varied roles, development opportunities and career paths in one of the most exciting service sectors of all. The more businesses work together to showcase these opportunities, the stronger the sector’s profile becomes among young people.
The fair also provided an opportunity to highlight Synergies4VET. The project promotes innovative vocational training approaches, digital learning resources and sustainable hospitality practices, demonstrating how international cooperation can help strengthen apprenticeship pathways and prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals for future industry challenges.
As a practical example of how vocational education continues to evolve, Synergies4VET complements outreach activities such as vocatium by raising awareness of modern training methods, sustainability skills and digital learning opportunities within the hospitality sector.
