Operations manager for cable cars on the Schmittenhöhe: Celina Schuster
published on · Winter
How do you progress from apprentice to operations manager for cable cars – and what does it take? At just 24, Schmitten employee Celina Schuster shows how it’s done: dual apprenticeship, high school diploma, instructor course. Find out more about Celina’s inspiring career path at Schmittenhöhebahn AG!
Her career at a glance: from apprenticeship to operations management
Celina Schuster’s success is built on far more than simply passing her apprenticeship final exam. The steps on her career ladder show what makes her journey at Schmittenhöhebahn AG so inspiring for others:
- dual apprenticeship as a cable car technician and electrical engineer, combined with a high school diploma
- first woman in Austria to complete this combination of qualifications
- apprenticeship completed with distinction and honoured as “Salzburg’s Apprentice of the Year 2022”
- operations manager examination for cable cars passed with distinction
- voluntary commitment with the Red Cross and internal leadership of first aid training courses
- instructor course and active involvement in the apprentice education of the Schmittenhöhe
Reaching the top through outstanding achievement: a story that inspires
How does a career in cable car operations begin? For Celina Schuster, it all started in August 2018 with a dual apprenticeship as a cable car technician and electrical engineer, including a high school diploma, at Schmittenhöhebahn AG. A combination she was the first woman in Austria to achieve.
Even during her apprenticeship, Celina’s potential was clear: Precise technical thinking, perseverance and a genuine interest in cable car technology accompanied her throughout her training years. With success: In 2022, she completed her apprenticeship with distinction. Shortly afterwards, she was honoured as “Salzburg’s Apprentice of the Year” – a milestone that paved the way for her future career.
What makes the operations manager examination so special?
Many people ask: How do you actually become an operations manager for cable cars? The answer lies in extensive specialist knowledge, a strong sense of responsibility and a great deal of practical experience. The examination ensures that installations are operated not only efficiently, but above all safely and reliably by proven experts.
By passing with distinction, Celina Schuster joins a remarkable group: She is the 19th woman in Austria and only the fourth in the province of Salzburg to achieve this qualification. This underlines how demanding the requirements are, while also sending a strong and motivating signal to women considering a career in technical professions.
Taking responsibility – in operations and beyond
When commitment does not end with working on the cable cars, Schmittenhöhebahn AG offers many other opportunities for personal development. Celina Schuster also leads by inspiring example in other areas: She heads the company’s internal first aid training programmes – a role that is just as essential in alpine infrastructure as maintaining the cable cars.
2024 absolvierte sie zudem den Ausbilderkurs, um gemeinsam mit Betriebsleiter Peter Onz die Lehrlingsausbildung zu gestalten. Damit trägt sie aktiv dazu bei, junge Menschen auf ihrem Berufsweg zu unterstützen und Zukunftskompetenzen im Unternehmen aufzubauen.
Training on the Schmittenhöhe: modern, hands-on and future-focused
Since 2008, Schmittenhöhebahn AG has been successfully training cable car technicians. Hands-on experience, opportunities for further development and attractive career prospects have been a key focus from the very beginning.
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