Interview with Jennifer Barta and Claudia Skodlerak

In our last newsletter, we introduced four future craftmasters who just passed their practical exam, two of them from our company and the other two from Udo Juchem, who supports us in training young engravers. Recently, we met with Jennifer Barta, the engraver and Claudia Skodlerak, the gem cutter, to find out more about the two young women and their careers.

What made you choose your profession?

Jennifer Barta:

To be honest, for a long time I hadn’t known which career path to pursue. After finishing school, I applied for an apprenticeship to become a goldsmith but had not been appointed. So, I decided to attend a secondary school for commerce. After two years, I knew that I wasn’t made for working in an office. Next step was to look once more for a craft trade which led me to the gem engravers.

Claudia Skodlerak:

Basically, I knew that I wanted to take up a craftmanship. Between 9th and 10th grade, during my summer holidays, I completed an internship with a goldsmith in Idar-Oberstein. After that, I knew for sure which career I wanted.

Claudia Skodlerak zeigt das Ergebnis langer Arbeit.

Claudia Skodlerak showing the result of long hours work

How did you find out about your training company?

Claudia Skodlerak:

At the job agency, I received information about STEPHAN and that they were looking for apprentices. A career adviser provided me with all the details of the job. During a three-day internship, I learnt to appreciate the pleasant working atmosphere at STEPHAN. Further convincing arguments were their advanced training programs and the possibility to stay in the company after my three years of training.

Jennifer Barta:

I, as well, received all the information through the job agency. I went online to search for a training position. Upon reading about gemstone engraving, I started to become interested. The following internship at JUCHEM entirely convinced me.

Jennifer Barta mit ihrem fertigen Meisterstück.

Jennifer Barta and her completed masterpiece.

Had there been a plan B concerning an apprenticeship?

Claudia Skodlerak:

There had of course been alternatives. Though, from the very beginning, I knew that it had to be a craft. This somewhat limited my options. My second choice was becoming a tool-maker or an industrial mechanic.

Jennifer Barta:

After finishing the school of commerce, I again applied for an apprenticeship to become a goldsmith and also to be trained as a cabinet-maker at the city administration of Idar-Oberstein. Again, my application to become a goldsmith was not succesful whereas I got accepted by the city administration. Besides that, I also got the chance to start an apprenticeship at JUCHEM. Even though the training as cabinet-maker would have been more profitable, I decided to become an engraver.

„Baculum Magicum est Lapis“ lautet der Titel von Claudia Skodleraks Werk.

„Baculum Magicum est Lapis“ is the title of Claudia Skodleraks masterpiece.

Along with the company itself, the mentor is important for a successful training. What made him or her special to you?

Jennifer Barta:

Absolutely! A good master is the base for each good apprentice or craftsman. My trainer had always been straight from the heart and honest with me. This had taken a lot out of me because I hadn’t been willing to admit my own mistakes. And it was not until now that I am able to appreciate his honesty. I am very pleased to have been trained at JUCHEM.

Claudia Skodlerak:

My trainers had a great effect on my personal development. They really taught me a lot. So much that I am now able to hold my own masterpiece in my hands. My trainers were very strict and consistent but they always had a sympathetic ear and were very kind.

Let’s fast forward and focus on your personal masterpieces. How did you come up with the idea? What’s the story behind them?

Jennifer Barta:

I love working with banded agate. There is just so much you can do with it. In addition, I like horses. So, my idea had been planned in advance. The challenge was the engraving of the shadows, of which I hadn’t much experience in- especially this size.

Claudia Skodlerak:

I got the idea upon watching a „Harry Potter“ movie. I suddenly thought of creating a magic wand. I named it „Baculum Magicum est Lapis“ which means „magic stick of stone“. The challenge was its size. Together, both pieces of the wand measure 45 cm. Because of its size, the carvings at the back part were hard to accomplish. 

Jennifer Barta wollte unbedingt mit dem Lagenachat arbeiten.

Jennifer Barta absolutely wanted to work with banded agate.

When did you start working on the pieces?

Claudia Skodlerak:

I worked on it from mid June to mid August, every Saturday for 8 hours.

Jennifer Barta:

I worked on it for an entire week, in the end of August at JUCHEM.

What is next on the schedule, now that you have your master’s diploma?

Jennifer Barta:

Presently, I work part time at STEPHAN and my wish is to start my own business on the side.

Claudia Skodlerak:

I don’t exactly know what is next. I think I will stay and work for STEPHAN.

5 years from now – how will your career look?

Jennifer Barta:

Life has taught me not to plan anything. I am happy to be where I am at this moment. If this is still the case in five years, it’s good enough for me.

Claudia Skodlerak:

I will see what tomorrow will bring. I am ready for surprises.

Thanks for the interview.