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Anastasia Schoone finally found an apprenticeship at Kniess Beds & Interior Design – and a new home..
Friendly and open, the young woman comes around the corner just as Michael Kniess is about to check on his newly qualified apprentice. Anastasia Schoone originally comes from near Suhl in Thuringia and had already had some bitter experiences before her apprenticeship in Eberstadt: "I think I wrote over 50 applications," says the 20-year-old. "I applied for apprenticeships as a media designer, a construction draftsperson, and also an interior decorator, but always without success. I only received rejections. The worst thing, however, is when you don't even get a rejection, but simply hear nothing at all. That really takes a toll on your self-confidence. You invest a lot of time and money in application materials. You at least expect some feedback," says Schoone. Meanwhile, businesses have been complaining for years about the supposed shortage of skilled workers. The reality, however, seems to be quite different. Many companies no longer offer apprenticeships, and internships are being scaled back. It's too much work, simply a nuisance. But where is expertise supposed to come from if it isn't passed on?
Kniess Bedding & Interior Design is an established family business in Darmstadt, known for its high-quality bedding and stylish interior design for many years. Founded over 60 years ago, the company has made a name for itself as a trusted provider of customized sleep solutions and interior design. And the company has been training apprentices for years. "If we didn't train apprentices, we would have serious problems finding good people. It's not that young people don't want to work or that they all just want to be influencers. But how are our children supposed to learn about different professions if fewer and fewer internships are offered? How can they learn about them if nothing is taught about them in our schools?" asks owner Michael Kniess.
"Where will skilled workers come from if we don't pass on our expertise?"
Anastasia Schoone also completed an internship with the Kniess family: “I received a call immediately after my application, asking if I wanted to meet them. I was impressed, and through relatives, I was able to stay in Darmstadt for two weeks. The internship was incredibly important for getting a feel for the profession. I enjoyed the work, and the atmosphere here is truly fantastic,” Schoone says with a smile. She has since passed her journeyman's exam with excellent results and is now happy to continue working at the company as a journeyman. Michael Kniess is also pleased: “We take a lot of time for our customers to find tailor-made solutions that are precisely aligned with their needs. Customer comfort and well-being are always our top priority. This is only possible with friendly and competent employees – and Ms. Schoone is one of them.”
The young woman has now found a permanent (and, above all, affordable) place to live in Darmstadt. "That was almost as difficult as getting an apprenticeship," she says with a smile. "But I absolutely love it here in Darmstadt. The city is great. I feel completely at home here." At least she can furnish her apartment nicely herself, since she has easy access to the best deals.
