Congratulations, Frieder!
Last weekend, a total of 2,000 guests from the worlds of politics, business and society gathered at the Dresden Chamber of Crafts, who were welcomed by Minister President Michael Kretschmer. There was reason to celebrate - under the motto, 'Masters 2023: We determine the climate!', a total of 343 master craftsmen and women were honoured for graduating this year.
Sebastian Riemer, head of our Production Department, and Jan Kaufmann, head of the Finishing Department, were also invited, both of whom can still remember their master craftsman examination well. But on this evening, another Deutsche Werkstätten employee took centre stage: Friedemann Pöhland was named the best master vehicle paint sprayer of his year. A great achievement - especially when you know the background!
At the end of the 90s, Friedemann began his training to become a joiner at Deutsche Werkstätten. After passing his journeyman's examination, he started in the finishing department and was able to witness how, not only the demands, but also the team grew steadily. Today, 25 specialists work in the department, creating unique surfaces and regularly developing new technologies.
However, when Friedemann decided to become a master craftsman a few years ago, he had a problem: he had completed an apprenticeship as a joiner, but most of his professional experience was in surface finishing and lacquering for luxury interior design projects. It was therefore initially unclear how or in which field Friedemann could become a master craftsman. He then approached the relevant chamber which finally agreed to him training as a master vehicle paint sprayer.
To familiarise himself with the processes and special features of car finishing, Friedemann decided to temporarily reduce his working hours and went to a vehicle paint shop every Friday for several months as a trainee. He then fulfilled his dream with his masterpiece: he pimped up a 1990 VW Jetta, which now shines in the special custom colour Dark Burgundy. The examination committee was delighted.
We are also delighted and look forward to many more years together, in which Friedemann can contribute his expertise and cheerful nature to his work at the company. Meanwhile, the next generation is already waiting in the wings: this summer, we started training a vehicle paint sprayer for the first time.
For more information visit Dresden Chamber of Crafts.
