With a smile on her face and a steaming coffee machine in front of her—that's how Binia Meyer feels most at home. The 17-year-old Flims native is completing an internship at Weisse Arena Hospitality AG, part of the Weisse Arena Group, is completing her training as a certified restaurant manager.
profile
Age: 17 years old
Place of residence: Flims
Hobbies: Tennis, volleyball, snowboarding
Binia knew early on that she enjoyed interacting with people—and that an office job wasn't right for her. "I worked at the Freeride Base last winter season and realized how much I enjoyed this work.Someone told me about the apprenticeship. I actually wanted to train as a business administrator at first, but I realized that catering suited me much better."
Varied travel with the Weisse Arena Group
Binia particularly appreciates the diversity of her apprenticeship: "I get to see many different businesses—from Riders Kitchen to Snake Bar to Ella and NoName. It's incredibly varied and exciting. Plus, everything is close to my home—perfect for me," says Binia.
Insight into everyday working life
When Binia starts her working day in the morning, the coffee machine is soon running at full speed. "First, I set everything up: prepare the coffee machine and counter, take orders—just get everything ready so we're ready for our guests."
Her day is well filled: serving coffee and snacks in the morning, preparing drinks and food at lunchtime, tidying up in between, and cleaning and putting everything away in the evening. "At the end of the day, I write down my hours and turn off the lights—then it's time to go home," she says with a smile.
What Binia loves about her job—and what she finds challenging
"I love interacting with customers. You get to meet so many new people, and every day is different. That makes the work really exciting. But what I enjoy most is making coffee—I love coffee!"
Of course, there are also challenges: "The working hours can be tough at times, especially on weekends. But I knew that beforehand—you get used to it. And I don't really like unfriendly guests, but that's part of the job."
Vocational school in Zurich
Your vocational school is located near Zurich Central Station.
"In my first year of training, I have one and a half days of school per week, and later only one. I have a GA travelcard and sometimes stay with friends in Zurich—it's really varied! School is super exciting, and the lessons are really practical," says Binia.
Binias' tip for future learners
"In this profession, you need to be independent, spontaneous, and flexible—and know that you'll also be working on weekends. But if you enjoy interacting with people and are interested in gastronomy, this apprenticeship is awesome cool! I can only recommend it."
5 questions, 5 answers
1. Winter or summer? – Winter.
2. Coffee or tea? – Coffee.
3. Piz Fess or Lake Cauma? – Lake Cauma.
4. Flims, Laax, or Falera? – Flims.
5. Skiing or snowboarding? – Snowboarding.
Did you know?
The Weisse Arena Group in Laax trains apprentices in various exciting professional fields every year. Find out more about our training opportunities and become part of a unique team at the largest employer in the Surselva region.
