Since 2021, Hindsgavl Slot has welcomed 24 international trainees through Bixter’s traineeship programs.
As one of Denmark’s established hotel and conference destinations, Hindsgavl Slot depends on a well-functioning kitchen team to maintain quality and support daily operations.
Quick Facts
Industry: Hotel & Conference Center
Location: Middelfart, Denmark
Host Company: Hindsgavl Slot
Partnership Since: 2021
International Trainees Placed: 24
Current Countries Featured: Philippines, Vietnam
Program Duration: 18 Months
Average Permit Process: Approx. 12 Weeks
Department: Kitchen Operations
Like many hospitality businesses, the organization experienced increasing difficulty finding new people for kitchen roles. The challenge was not temporary. Over several years, attracting enough motivated talent became a growing concern for the operation.
According to Head Chef Ulrik, the shortage created pressure on the kitchen and made it more difficult to build the stable team needed to support long-term growth.
“Over the past few years, we’ve faced a major challenge in finding new kitchen staff.” Ulrik Kjærsgaard, Chef at Hindsgavl Slot ApS
Rather than continuing to rely solely on traditional recruitment channels, Hindsgavl Slot began looking for a more sustainable solution.
Hear Directly from Hindsgavl Slot
In this interview, Head Chef Ulrik explains:
why finding kitchen talent became increasingly difficult,
how international trainees became part of the solution,
and what has made the collaboration successful.
Looking Beyond Traditional Recruitment
To strengthen its kitchen team, Hindsgavl Slot partnered with Bixter in 2021 to access international traineeship pathways.
Through the collaboration, the hotel has welcomed 24 international trainees in total. Today, the kitchen includes three trainees from the Philippines and three from Vietnam.
The objective was not simply to add more people to the team. The goal was to find motivated trainees who wanted to learn, contribute, and develop their abilities within a professional hospitality environment.
According to Ulrik, attitude and willingness to learn were among the most important qualities.
The trainees arrived motivated, committed, and ready to become part of the team.
The typical traineeship program at Hindsgavl Slot runs for 18 months, giving trainees time to learn kitchen routines, strengthen practical abilities, and become part of daily operations.
Consistency Creates Value
For Hindsgavl Slot, success is built on consistency.
Kitchen operations require routines to be followed correctly every day, whether preparing ingredients, baking bread, making dough, or supporting food production.
Ulrik explains that once trainees receive the correct instructions and understand the task, they perform it consistently and reliably.
“Once you’ve shown one of them how to make pesto, you’ll get that pesto every day.” Ulrik Kjærsgaard, Chef at Hindsgavl Slot ApS
Connecting Talent Development with Business Needs
The partnership with Bixter provided Hindsgavl Slot with access to motivated international trainees through structured traineeship pathways.
The model combines:
candidate matching,
administrative coordination,
mobility and permit support,
arrival planning,
and workplace integration.
This allows the hotel to focus on developing talent inside the kitchen while Bixter supports the process surrounding the placement.
For Hindsgavl Slot, the value extends beyond filling immediate needs. The model creates access to motivated trainees who can learn operational routines, adapt to workplace expectations, and contribute consistently over time.
The average process from placement order to permit approval has been approximately 12 weeks. After permit approval, arrival typically takes an additional one to two weeks, depending on travel arrangements and the planned start date. In some cases, trainees arrive exactly on the agreed start date when the placement has been planned further in advance.
What Hindsgavl Slot Gained
The collaboration has helped Hindsgavl Slot strengthen its kitchen team and reduce pressure caused by talent shortages.
Key Outcomes
24 international trainees placed since 2021
Current kitchen team includes trainees from the Philippines and Vietnam
Improved access to motivated hospitality talent
Greater operational consistency
Reliable execution of daily kitchen routines
Reduced pressure on local talent availability
Stronger long-term team planning
Most importantly, the hotel found a model that supports both operational needs and future growth.
“It’s definitely a model that helps us here at Hindsgavl solve our staffing problems.” Ulrik Kjærsgaard, Chef at Hindsgavl Slot ApS
Continuing to Build International Talent Pathways
For Hindsgavl Slot, international traineeships have become an important part of building a stable and dependable kitchen team.
After working with Bixter since 2021, the hotel has seen how motivated trainees, combined with clear guidance and workplace integration, can make a meaningful contribution to daily operations.
The hotel sees continued value in creating opportunities for international trainees while strengthening the long-term stability of its kitchen department.
“I can only recommend working with Bixter.” Ulrik Kjærsgaard, Chef at Hindsgavl Slot ApS
“These are people who are incredibly eager and full of drive; they’re reliable and trustworthy.” Ulrik Kjærsgaard, Chef at Hindsgavl Slot ApS
