Philipp Ludwig successfully completed his training as a tourism agent at DERTOUR in July 2025. Since then, he has been working full-time at his training company, a DERTOUR travel agency in Singen. In this interview, he talks about how he perceived DERTOUR as an apprentice and what his personal highlights were.

"In my eyes, a large employer like the REWE Group or DERTOUR means security. With DERTOUR, I had a trainer who stands by the employees' side even in difficult times. In addition, the training standards and quality are very high: the training itself, but also the training courses, information trips and the large amount of learning material are above average, very encouraging and supportive.

My personal highlight was an info trip to Jamaica. We stayed in exclusive hotels, went on excursions to explore the jungle, rum distilleries, special restaurants and, above all, got to know the country and its people better. I will never forget this trip. The tours to Mallorca, Qatar and Paris are also unforgettable. But my personal highlights include all the customers who come back overjoyed and thank me from the bottom of their hearts for the trip they booked.

My advice to anyone starting their training with DERTOUR now or in the future? Nothing comes from nothing. If you show commitment, are motivated and are passionate about your apprenticeship, almost nothing can go wrong. You will be challenged and encouraged, but never overwhelmed. That's why my advice is to keep at it - the rest will come naturally."

Christiane Radu, HR Education Manager at DERTOUR Germany, is responsible for the selection, recruitment and deployment planning of around 50 trainees. She is also the contact person for over 50 training officers in the specialist departments.

one: Mrs Radu, what makes training at DERTOUR Germany special?

Christiane Radu : Our induction days are a central component; they serve as an orientation and networking opportunity for trainees and dual students. This creates a sense of community right from the start.

We attach great importance to the qualification of our training officers. They receive targeted training so that they can support the trainees not only professionally, but also pedagogically. Our trainees also regularly take part in training courses - for example on modern communication or health issues. The supplementary learning nuggets from our DERTOUR learning world, which cover topics such as positive charisma, digital balance and team spirit, are particularly popular.

Another success factor is thinking outside the box. Our trainees can do internships abroad, for example in one of our clubs in Austria. There, they work directly with customers - in service, at reception or in the kitchen. We also organise visits to trade fairs and trips abroad so that they can get to know our products and brands on site. Structured feedback is also important, which is why we hold regular development meetings.

one: As a trainer, how do you support your trainees?

Christiane Radu : I am there for them personally - with an open ear, clear structures and binding communication. Orientation in professional life is extremely important for young people and I try to give them this. We also support them with team-building measures, learning apps and exam preparation.

one: How has the role of trainers changed over the years?

Christiane Radu : Significantly. In the past, the focus was more on technical input and professional orientation. Nowadays, as a trainer, I also act as a life counsellor and guide to support young people and help them understand the value of a professional career. The way we communicate has also changed. It used to be more formal and focussed. Today, the personal and interpersonal side plays a much greater role. We trainers have to be more flexible and empathetic to individual needs and build trust in order to motivate and inspire. In short, our role today is much more comprehensive and versatile. It goes beyond simply imparting knowledge and includes holistic support for trainees both professionally and privately.

one: What do you particularly enjoy in your role?

Christiane Radu: It's great to see how young people develop and become enthusiastic about our industry and the profession of tourism management assistant. It fulfils me when I find the right place for everyone and I see how some of them develop within the company over the years.

Jennifer Enderle also successfully completed her apprenticeship in July 2025, realising her dream of working in the travel industry. Today, she works part-time as a tourism agent in her training company (80 per cent) and is happy to be able to help her customers plan their trips every day. She talked about how she experienced her training period.

"During my apprenticeship, I was faced with the challenge of balancing my role as a single mother of two children aged 13 and 11 with the demands of my apprenticeship. This time demanded a lot from me, but it also strengthened my organisational skills, my time management and my resilience enormously. I have learnt to set priorities both professionally and privately, to remain flexible and to work in a focused, structured and reliable manner even in stressful phases.

My superiors and colleagues provided me with intensive support and encouragement during my training. I was encouraged to ask questions and received the necessary professional and personal support at all times, which enabled me to continuously develop. The open and helpful teamwork was particularly valuable to me. I always felt that I was taken seriously and was able to develop in an environment characterised by trust and mutual appreciation - a decisive factor in my successful training.

REWE Group's values - especially appreciation, diversity and equal opportunities - characterise the way we work together on a daily basis and have significantly supported my personal growth. I was able to contribute my own ideas, take on responsibility and develop both professionally and personally thanks to the open communication and respectful interaction
- both professionally and personally."