Girls gain valuable insights into a working day in nautical science
Take a look over the shoulders of the bargemen, try on and try out the protective equipment including a life jacket or moor a ship yourself: On April 25, 2024, KölnTourist Personenschiffahrt is once again inviting schoolgirls to Girls' Day on board its ships to gain an insight into the work of navigators. Traditionally still a male domain, the family-run company also wants to show young women how varied and exciting this profession can be for them too.
Angelika Schmitz, Managing Director of KölnTourist Personenschiffahrt, who herself began her career as a skipper 30 years ago, is convinced by the idea of Girls' Day: "We have been training bargemen on the Rhine in Cologne and Bonn for many years and would be delighted to get more young women interested in this varied profession." The Schmitz family has been offering this opportunity since 2015, when Girls' Day took place on board the MS Moby Dick in Bonn for the first time. From the safety briefing to mooring the ship and maneuvering the passenger ship, the schoolgirls learn what work is involved in this profession and are of course also allowed to lend a hand themselves. The only requirements for Girls' Day are a minimum age of 14, sturdy shoes and a little curiosity. The event starts at 10:00 am.
First steps towards a career on the Rhine
Sarah Fischer, who completed her nautical training at KölnTourist a few years ago and now works as an instructor at the company herself, emphasizes: "Our team is a diverse mix, with everyone from young to old. We are also very much looking forward to attracting more women to inland navigation. With us, they can take their first steps towards training as inland navigation operators on the Rhine."
This apprenticeship lasts a total of 3 years and also includes several months of training on the training ship in Duisburg. If the girls decide to pursue a career in this industry after leaving school, they will, for example, guide and steer ships on inland waterways, transport goods and carry passengers. They can work for inland waterway freight and passenger transport companies, in port operations and authorities or at water and shipping authorities. In principle, many doors are open to graduates: a degree in shipbuilding, obtaining a license as a skipper or a career as an instructor are just three examples of further career planning. "As a large number of events also take place on our ships, we would of course also be the point of contact if the participants are interested in a career in restaurant and event catering and would like to work on a ship in this capacity. A dual course of study in event management is also possible.
KölnTourist offers boat trips and boat charters at the most important hubs on the Rhine in the Cologne/Bonn area, an unforgettable and exclusive variety of experiences for a real change of perspective, plenty of relaxation and lots of good humor on one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. A personal and individual service, delicious food from selected partners and a very good price-performance ratio round off the offer.
KölnTourist is a privately run shipping company with decades of tradition and shipping expertise. The fleet is technically up to date, because the safety of the passengers is always the focus. The interior of the fleet is always well maintained. With an eye on the environment and future generations, the company embarked on a journey to greater sustainability in passenger shipping some time ago. KölnTourist sees itself as a true friend and partner to its guests and lives cosmopolitanism. The employees are authentic and love what they do - with regard to their fleet, their offers, their guests and the team.