German network of low-budget hostels a&o has created a new position to emphasize even more the importance of training and the presence of apprentices in the company's development. From March 1, Gerald Pupkes, general manager of a&o Dortmund, became operational coordinator for. talents, thus becoming a collaborator with 81 interns from all over Europe.

Gerald Pupkes believes that cooperation and exchange are the most important in his work. Cooperation with industrial and commercial institutions is as important as with partner hotels. Company a&o is present in nine European markets and is constantly growing. Only this creates a huge training potential. In Germany alone, the Berlin group of A&o plans to hire about ten new training specialists by the end of the year.

"Thanks to the new position of the coordinator for. operational talents, we want to emphasize the quality of our training as well as the potential and sustainable development in our industry " – says Phillip Winter, chief financial officer. marketing a&about Hostels.

Career at a&o starts at Steigenberger

Gerald Pupkes was associated with Steigenberger for almost a decade, attending the University of Hotel Management in Bad Reichenhall and training as a hotel manager in Dortmund and Bad Homburg. He worked at Steigenberger Duisburg and Holiday Inn Essen. In 2012, he completed a hotel management training at Wihoga Dortmund and has been managing the a&o in Dortmund.