Emily Hamp, Instructor
The Trailblazer
When Emily started her training to become a textile and sewing specialist at Bauerfeind in Gera in 2021, a lot of things were new – for her and for the site established in 2019. In those days, Bauerfeind in Gera employed merely 120 people. Today, it’s almost 300. Production exclusively took place in the business park building in Keplerstraße 35. Emily was the first trainee in Gera. “Some processes still had to be streamlined. But there was an optimistic mood around. A lot of people encouraged me,” says Emily, remembering her first months.
Training was easy for her – not least because sewing was her hobby even then. “I got my first sewing machine when I was 12,” reports Emily. Her great-grandmother got her involved in sewing because she was a trained seamstress. Emily used to sew oven gloves and toiletry bags, later even dresses, bags, and skirts.
This experience was appreciated. Emily went through different work stations and areas: sewing, assembling, welding, packaging, custom-made and standard manufacture. During these processes, the youngster from Seifartsdorf always asked to be shown more than was specified in the curriculum.
In 2023, she completed her training after two years with the grade “very good”. Subsequently, she applied for an IHK scholarship with which she planned to finance her instructor qualification. Emily’s motto: “You have to put something in if you want to get ahead.”
And that is exactly what she did: Until she was able to start her instructor qualification in May 2024, Emily worked in the custom-made production of compression stockings. She additionally taught trial workers, interns, and new employees because she wanted to learn this skill alongside her trade. In 2024, she completed her instructor qualification and commented: “I’ve always had the drive to make progress. And Bauerfeind gave me this opportunity.” A great challenge for Emily: in February 2025, she became an instructor for the Gera site – the first person allowed to perform this position full-time. One trainee spot turned into professional practice, supporting and challenging trainees. “We really want to focus on the subject of training and we support the trainees as best we can,” emphasizes Lars Eulitz, Site Manager in Gera.
Emily supports 12 textile and sewing specialists as well as machine and system operators. Textile Technician Julia Ziegengeist helps her with technical supervision.
Together, they designed an introductory week for new trainees arriving in August. Emily uses the freedom to incorporate her own ideas. There are insights into training, they film videos together, and design their own trainees’ crest as a team building exercise.
Emily has revamped the trainees’ workshop to suit her ideas. The 21-year-old really appreciates this protected space because it didn’t exist when Emily was a trainee. This is where she can simulate and practice production processes with trainees, interns, and career changers. Emily wants to practically demonstrate to her trainees how to approach people because she had such good experiences with this herself. And she wants to show them that she trusts them. After all, that is something she feels from her Line Manager Lars Eulitz, which really helps during her everyday work.
Her key message to the trainees is the following: “It’s worth putting the effort into it!” Bauerfeind gives most of its trainees a job afterwards. And they have the chance to keep growing – just like Emily.