Bethel - From trainee to trainer

Matthias Schütze sitzt an der Nähmaschine und schaut in die Kamera

"Sewing was never really on my agenda. But then the fire in me was awakened here." Matthias Schütze looks at the rows of whirring sewing machines where some of the trainees are concentrating on their work. It wasn't so long ago that he himself learnt at one of these places. In the meantime, the 35-year-old has "changed sides" and is now a trainer in the textile technology department of the Bethel Vocational Training Centre (BBW) in Bielefeld.

"At the BBW, I was shown a path that I wouldn't have thought of before. Today I can say: I love my job," says Matthias Schütze, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15. He originally trained as an occupational therapist, but was no longer able to practise this profession due to his condition.

Stitch pattern on a piece of fabric.

Since undergoing epilepsy surgery at the Mara Clinic in Bethel in 2015, Matthias Schütze has been largely seizure-free; however, he did not want to return to his old job due to the physical strain. In 2017, he did a work trial in the textile technology area of the BBW. "After just two hours at the sewing machine, I realised: Okay, you've got a new hobby. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately asked about a possible apprenticeship."

In December 2018, Matthias Schütze graduated as an upholstery and decorative seamstress. During this training, he completed various internships, including at the Bielefelder Werkstätten, which belong to the Bielefeld-based textile publisher JAB Anstoetz. He was offered a job there after completing his training. "I still work at Anstoetz once a week. However, I no longer work as an upholstery and decoration seamstress, but as a representative for the severely disabled," he reports.

"At the BBW, I was shown a path that I wouldn't have thought of before. Today I can say: I love my job."
Matthias Schütze
Matthias Schütze explains something to an apprentice and holds yarn in his hand.

However, Matthias Schütze was able to realise his greatest professional ambition at BBW. Because his trainers there made a lasting impression on him, he has been working there as a trainer himself since October 2023. "I've been helped so often and so much in my life here at Bethel. That's why I really wanted to work in the social sector and give something back in this way." Teaching something and also being able to do the job that he has learnt to love - that is great fun for him. He now wants to light the fire in the young trainees himself.

When asked what exactly makes training as an upholstery and decorative seamstress at BBW so interesting, Matthias Schütze doesn't have to think long: "The incredible variety of fabrics you work with alone is exciting. But also the many things you can make from them," he replies. With the exception of items of clothing, the trainees learnt to sew everything that is needed in everyday life, for example upholstery covers for cushions, sofas or bolsters, but also blankets, curtains and drapes. There are no limits to their own creativity.

And what you learn professionally, you can of course also use privately. He himself is no exception. "My mum and grandma in particular are happy about some of the things I've sewn. My grandma proudly decorated her sofa with a cushion from my work trial. It says 'Home sweet home' on it."

Text: Gunnar Kreutner | Photos: Christian Weische

This story simply told

Matthias Schütze discovered his passion for sewing at the Bethel Vocational Training Centre (BBW) after he had to give up his job as an occupational therapist due to epilepsy. He completed his training as an upholstery and decorative seamstress in 2018 and now works as an instructor at the BBW to pass on his knowledge and help others.

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For people with epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and can have many causes: a tumour, a stroke or congenital brain damage. Bethel maintains a network of help centres to support those affected: In addition to special epilepsy centres, there are a wide range of residential and work options.

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