Dusseldorf's grand ceremony will be complemented by 925 master letters containing appeals and party invitations.
Celebrating Master Craftsmen in NRW: Tomke Zilles' Journey and the Impact on Hairdressing Craftsmanship
The Master's Certificate Ceremony:
On June 28th, the psd-bank dome in Düsseldorf played host to a grand gathering, as the North Rhine-Westphalian state government honoured 925 new masters in various trades, including hairdressing. Among the attendees were politicians, representatives of the craftsmanship industry, and the newly minted masters themselves. The event, which featured a show, a party with a DJ, and a buffet, was a celebration of the achievements of these skilled professionals and their contributions to the local economy.
Tomke Zilles: From Apprentice to Master Hairdresser
One of the 925 new masters was Tomke Zilles, a 24-year-old hairdresser from the North Sea island of Norderney. Her journey in the world of hairstyling began with an apprenticeship, which she completed in 2022. After gaining valuable experience and building a strong clientele, she decided to further her skills and advance her career by pursuing formal master's training, known as "Meisterausbildung."
Tomke underwent her master's training at "Dammer and Macher - the hairdressers in Düsseldorf," where she honed her technical skills and gained business knowledge. This rigorous program culminated in her becoming a master hairdresser (Friseurmeisterin), a prestigious qualification that signifies a high level of craftsmanship and leadership capability in the trade.
Bridging Coastal Creativity with Urban Craftsmanship Traditions
With her master's qualification, Tomke expanded her professional influence beyond Norderney to the inland regions of Rhine and Ruhr. By bringing her island-honed skills and innovative techniques to these industrial heartlands, she contributed to elevating hairstyling standards and revitalizing traditional craftsmanship. Furthermore, as a master, she took on apprentices and shared best practices, helping to ensure the long-term quality and sustainability of the hairdressing craft in these economically significant regions.
A Call for Openness and Responsibility
At the ceremony, NRW Minister of Labor, Karl-Josef Laumann, addressed the new masters, emphasizing the importance of their role in training the next generation of craftsmen and women and managing their businesses responsibly. He also encouraged them to openly admit mistakes to avoid legal disputes.
Laumann, a trained agricultural machinery fitter, has been a vocal advocate for the craftsmanship industry. He has criticized the academic majority in German parliaments, suggesting that more practitioners should decide on new laws. His presence at the ceremony underscored the government's commitment to supporting and recognizing the contributions of master craftsmen and women.
The Association of German Crafts has also highlighted excessive bureaucracy as a significant obstacle for young masters in founding their own businesses. Their concerns echoed those of many in the industry, who are working to streamline processes and make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed.
In summary, Tomke Zilles' journey from a local hairdresser on Norderney to a master-trained professional significantly impacted hairstyling quality and vocational training in the Rhine and Ruhr regions, bridging coastal creativity with urban craftsmanship traditions. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence in one's chosen field.
Tomke Zilles' journey in hairdressing, marked by her pursuit of education and self-development through the Meisterausbildung program, serves as a model for personal growth and career advancement in the field of craftsmanship.
As a master hairdresser, Tomke's commitment to sharing her knowledge and best practices with apprentices fosters continuity in the hairdressing craft, contributed to by her efforts in raising standards and bridging coastal and urban craftsmanship traditions.
