She trained as an automotive upholsterer at BMW in Dingolfing. From an early age, she learned to hold her own in the working world. After several years in production and the paint shop, she completed advanced training to become a master craftsman. By the age of 24, she had already earned her master craftsman’s certificate as an automotive upholsterer. She then worked for various automotive suppliers before joining Grammer in Amberg.
Formative Years Abroad
For ten years, she traveled extensively and was responsible for quality control in sewing and upholstery at international locations in Russia, Mexico, the U.S., and Brazil. “I wouldn’t want to have missed that intensive experience abroad. I’m still in touch with people in those countries via Facebook.”
Since 2012, she has been working at Grammer’s Competence Center. Among other things, the center develops seats for various vehicles such as trucks, tractors, buses, and trains. Birgitt focuses primarily on seat cover development and also oversees the training program for automotive interior trim technicians. She enjoys training others and passing on her knowledge to young people. It’s important to her to instill craftsmanship and a love of detail. “The creativity involved in this profession is extraordinary,” she says.
The profession is undergoing change due to technical requirements and has therefore been restructured. This means that experts from various companies came together and adapted the training curriculum to meet today’s demands. As part of this restructuring, the profession has been given a new name. Starting in 2021, it will be called “Vehicle Interior Mechanic.” Birgitt served as one of the experts representing IG Metall during the restructuring of the profession.
Birgitt also serves on the examination board in her region and administers intermediate and journeyman’s exams for vehicle interior fitters. In her free time, she loves taking care of her four dogs at home—two Jack Russells and two poodles. She participates in dog sports tournaments and agility competitions with her four-legged friends.
