Lion or tiger? As long as it's a tattoo on my leg

The booth for glitter and airbrush tattoos was bustling with cheerful activity all day long. Most of the girls opted for a glittery design, while the boys discussed which airbrush tattoo suited them best.

A professional discussion with artist Birgit Völlings: “What would you like?” – “A tiger.” “Where?” “On my right lower leg.” “Will do. Now sit down here on the chair, bend your right leg, and please hold still for a moment.”

A few minutes later, ten-year-old Phil had a striking new leg decoration. His two friends chose an eagle and a lion’s head for their lower legs. A woman wanted to know how long the designs would last. “Until they get married,” joked Birgit Völlings. “Or maybe just a week.”

Every spin is a win

Throughout the day, the KD wheel of fortune proved to be a source of joy for young and old alike. It spun almost nonstop. No wonder: Prizes included, among other things, panoramic and lounge evening cruises on the “ KD ” in Cologne, KD gift certificates with a 20 percent discount, barbecue aprons, balls, and bottle openers featuring the anniversary logo. No one went home empty-handed. Anyone who spun the wheel of fortune won—even if it was just something sweet like the popular Hitschies “Dragon Tongues.”

KD offers seven different apprenticeship programs

Right next to the wheel of fortune, the focus was on decisions that might bring even greater happiness. Martina Hofer, training manager at KD, and Corporate Captain Patrick Gereke provided information about the wide range of training opportunities offered by Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH.

“Through our ‘Young Talent Community,’ we provide training in seven different vocational fields, both on board and on shore,” explained Martina Hofer. The programs offered include apprenticeships as a cook, restaurant service specialist, tourism and leisure business administrator, office manager, or event manager, as well as inland waterway boat operator and inland waterway captain. She told the story of a young woman who had come to the information booth that very morning with her parents and sister to learn about the opportunities and requirements for training to become an inland waterway captain. After a detailed conversation aboard the MS RheinFantasie, she plans to complete an internship next year during her summer vacation with the “ KD .”

Application portfolio submitted

One young man had even gone a step further. He took advantage of “Open Deck Day” to personally submit his application for an apprenticeship as an inland waterway boatman. “He’s already completed an internship this year with the KD and would like to start his apprenticeship next year. That’s great, of course,” said Martina Hofer happily. A varied apprenticeship awaits the future inland waterway boatman. The trainees will learn all aspects of passenger shipping—from docking and undocking to deck maintenance and upkeep, right through to interacting with guests. The training program lasts three years and is based on a dual system. Practical training takes place aboard the “ KD ” vessels, while theoretical instruction is provided in block sessions at the “Rhein” Maritime Vocational College in Duisburg. “We offer three new apprenticeship positions each year,” says Markus Schwartz. As managing director of KD Europe, he is responsible for the areas of navigation and technology. Men and women who have completed their secondary education may apply; a secondary school diploma is sufficient. “Applicants should also have a certain level of physical fitness and technical understanding. Above all, they must be able to swim.” Social skills are just as important. This is because the “ KD ” emphasizes teamwork; employees from the nautical, hospitality, and kitchen departments work hand in hand.

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