Top marks, strong professionalism – and now directly to Ruths Hotel

Ida Holmsgaard has landed her apprenticeship at one of Denmark's most exclusive hotels - while she is still in her basic training.

Not many people can say that at the age of 18 they have secured an apprenticeship at Ruths Hotel – one of the country's most prestigious places, where professionalism, service and gastronomy come together in a higher unity. But Ida Holmsgaard can. And she hasn't had it served to her. She has created it herself.

A professionalism that makes an impression

Ida has always had an eye for what she wanted: working with people, creating good experiences – and doing it with both presence and professionalism.

With an average from primary school of over 10 and a strong academic profile, high school was a no-brainer. But Ida chose to go a different route. She chose to use her skills in a place where head and hands follow each other – in the waiter training at Techcollege.

I want to use my expertise for something that makes sense to me. I have always known that I wanted to work with people – and at Techcollege I felt like I belonged.

Accurate and targeted – already from basic course 1

Ida began basic course 1 – a course that both provided professional insight and opened new doors.

– I started out thinking I was going to be a nutritionist, but I quickly realized that I need the contact with people. I have to stand in the room, take responsibility and make people feel welcome.

At Techcollege, it became clear that she had made the right choice. Here, ambitions are high and students are given responsibility – also in real-life situations. They serve at board dinners and senior luncheons, present wine, collaborate with the chefs and learn to handle everything from timing to details in service.

– There is a lot of professionalism in being a waiter. It's about technique, pace, precision and personality – everything has to work together.

Ruths Hotel – precision, passion and the perfect match

Being offered an apprenticeship at Ruths Hotel is not something that happens by chance. The demands here are high, and ambitions permeate everything from the detail of the service to the way new apprentices are recruited. That is why it was also a special experience for Ida when she was offered a place on her second day of internship.

Restaurant manager Jacob Brink Lauridsen, who will be her mentor, makes no secret of why the choice fell on her:

– It was a very easy decision. Ida has a natural gentleness, and loves her job. She is a passionate soul – sweet and friendly, but at the same time very thorough and professionally strong. She fits exactly into what we stand for: humility, high professionalism and professionalism.

For Jacob, it's not just about technique, but also about personality and attitude:

"She is curious and committed. She got to know the place she had come to – and we had a good chat about what type of waiter she wants to be. With us, there is time for reflection. It is not volume, but precision and understanding of the guest that drives us. And Ida fits in really well. We agreed that her approach and curiosity match the environment we have in the gourmet restaurant – with a focus on calm, thoroughness and close guest contact."

Both Ida and restaurant manager Jacob are looking forward to the collaboration, where professionalism, curiosity and ambitions are allowed to unfold in an environment with high standards - and where Ida will have the opportunity to develop in close dialogue with some of the industry's most talented people.

Community with both laughter and professionalism

The waiter profession requires responsibility, precision and overview – but you are never alone with it all. For Ida, it means a lot to be surrounded by other students at Techcollege who understand what it requires.

– We work closely together – both when we set the table for official dinners and when we need to relax with a game of UNO during the break. It creates a special kind of togetherness when you share both the fun and the serious.

A common rhythm emerges in the collaboration: When the timing has to be right and the details have to be in place, it is necessary to be able to count on each other.

– It means a lot to be among others who also want this. We learn from each other and support each other – and it gives both security and professional self-confidence. It's another form of community, where you sharpen each other and share ambitions.

Clear message to those facing a choice Ida has no doubt about what she wants to say to others who are considering a vocational education - but may feel pressure from parents, teachers or peers.

– Try basic course 1. You get a realistic picture of everyday life, and you learn a lot about yourself. I thought about it for a long time myself – and I'm so glad I dared to take the plunge.

High-level professionalism – just in a different form

For Ida, it's all about mastering your craft. Delivering an experience. Taking responsibility. And it's clear to her that mastering the profession of waiter requires both knowledge, precision and personal insight.

– You need to know something about raw materials, chemistry, processes, wine and guest understanding. It's not analyzing poems – it's analyzing people. And it can be at least as complex. It's high professionalism – just with a different approach than many people think.

A future with great ambitions

With Ruths Hotel as a springboard, Ida has already set the bar high. She has courage, professionalism and a strong drive – and she is not done dreaming.

If you ask her how she would sum up her journey, the answer is clear:

– Exciting, educational – and filled with fantastic relationships.