Even before the expiry of the present agreement (which runs until 2015), Professor Peter Thuy, Managing Director of Career Partner GmbH, and Matthias Heck, CFO and Director of Human Resources at the Frankfurt-based hotel group Steigenberger Hotels AG, have set the seal on a new five-year arrangement. Steigenberger has established a genuine sense of tradition by working together with the Bad Reichenhall Academy since as long ago as 1972. This extensive period has proved an enrichment for both parties. The Academy and other local Steigenberger trade and technical schools provide a wide range of training services. These enable employees of the Steigenberger Hotel Group to take part in practically oriented "Career Camp" seminars, in courses leading to the qualification of master craftsman, in trainer aptitude examinations and in special one-week "service intensive courses". There is also the opportunity to study via distance learning for a Bachelor or Masters degree at the Bad Honnef School of Business Management. Those studying at the Academy are able to gain practical experience to add to the academically based knowledge they have acquired by applying for internships in various areas within the company. This is an ideal way of supplementing training and enables important career plans to be made whilst students are still studying. Career pathways are also a main focus of the annual "Fireside Chats", at which representatives of the hotel group and the Academy answer questions posed by young talent starting out in the hotel business. "We are able to pass on our experience and support young people as they pursue their preferred occupation. They are also a source of learning and inspiration for us", emphasises Roberto Rojas, Head of Group and Human Resources at Steigenberger Hotels AG. The Fireside Chats are an integral component of the successful cooperation between the Steigenberger Hotel Group and the Steigenberger Academy in Bad Reichenhall.