Jens Höland is the new head of the metal workshop at the Faculty of Art and Design

Jens Höland (born 1975 in Weimar) his interest in metal as a material was aroused in childhood. His uncle had a small workshop in the attic where he built miniature locomotives true to the original out of sheet brass. Jens Höland was often there and reports: »There I was allowed to experiment, file, saw and solder as I pleased. And so, relatively early on, the desire arose to work in a metal profession later on. I would have preferred to become a toolmaker.«

This plan was crossed by the fall of the Berlin Wall and so, after graduating from secondary school in 1992, Jens Höland began an apprenticeship as a metal worker for construction technology at Schlosserei Tölke (the Tölke locksmith's shop) in Weimar. »During this time I learned an incredible amount, because in the locksmith's shop work was done exclusively by hand: Forging, metal design, windows, doors and staircases – we actually made everything. You always had to be creative, because there were few machines. These are skills that I appreciate all the more today and from which I still benefit.«

Until the locksmith's shop was closed in 2010, Jens Höland remained with the company as a journeyman metalworker. He then moved to IBU-tec AG, a chemical company based in Weimar-Ehringsdorf. There he was responsible for plant construction, repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment in the mechanical workshop. »During this time I came into contact with more materials: Heat stainless steels, chemical-resistant metals. We designed and built our own plants.« While working, Jens Höland completed his master's degree from March 2014 to December 2016. At the same time, he took over the workshop management and trained construction and industrial mechanics.

In 2019, he decided to change his career and became a trainer for metal construction at the Grone-Bildungszentrum Thüringen. »This time was particularly exciting for me because I had to deal with such different people. From delinquent youths to rehab measures to retrainees, I had to deal with a wide variety of personalities.«

Eventually, he became aware of the vacant faculty position through a relevant career network. »When I read this job offer, it was immediately clear to me that I definitely wanted to do this job. The submission date for the application fell on my birthday of all days – that was like a sign.«

In the end, he applied – much like our prospective students – with a portfolio of his own projects and work and convinced the selection committee with it. So, on 16 April 2021, he took up the position previously held by Rainer Reisner since the faculty was founded in 1993 until his retirement in February 2021. »I have settled in well at the Faculty so far. Not least thanks to the really warm welcome culture I have experienced here. The cooperation with colleagues from the other workshops is very good and constructive.» When asked what makes the job here special, Jens Höland answers: »I am thrilled with the students! They come up with all kinds of crazy ideas and are so incredibly motivated that it regularly sweeps me away. The collaboration is so inspiring that I look forward to going to work every day. But what I'm most looking forward to is my time after Corona - with unlimited access to the workshop and real campus life!».

We are happy to welcome Jens Höland to the faculty team!