Generation 5000 - Miele

There is lots of work out there: At the moment Leciejewicz
is helping customers fi nd a total of 80 housekeepers, ten
caretaker couples and three cooks. And it’s a bull market.
Since 1984, when this trained chef went into business and
founded an agency for domestic service, demand has risen steadily.
Not just the rich and famous or companies are in need of
domestic help. Very successful professional couples are looking
for someone to care for their children and homes as well. He has
2,000 families on his books world-wide.
The demands made on personnel are high. The homes tend
to be exquisitely furnished as a rule, and a gentle touch combined
with great deal of know-how is a must. How does one care
for silk wallpaper, silver and antiques? How should a perfectly
set and decorated table look? How does one pack a suitcase
wrinkle-free or remove stains and spots? The range of courses is
equally varied and covers topics like wine and beverage skills
and fl ower care, time management, education and even mathematics.
Karl-Heinz Leciejewicz is the founder
and manager of the European
Domestic Science Academy.
Hands-on practise on Miele appliances
Becoming a
perfect housekeeper
“Wanted: Domestic help for upscale private
household.” This phrase calls up images
of stiff butlers and neat chambermaids.
But does this refl ect reality? Karl-Heinz
Leciejewicz knows better. Almost two years
ago he founded the fi rst “European Domestic
Science Academy” in Essen (Germany)
in which prospective housekeepers learn
the skills they need.
Miele comes into play when the topic turns to a healthy diet
or laundry care. The teaching kitchen and laundry room at the
academy are almost exclusively equipped with Miele appliances.
“We selected high quality household appliances because
these are the ones used in these households”, reports
Leciejewicz. Marlis Pieper from Mühlheim has been working in
upscale private households, and with Miele, for 40 years now.
She explains the proper use of washing machines and dryers
to seminar participants. Perhaps explain is not the right word.
She teaches them to selectively use instruction manuals, for she
feels: “Anything else would be ineffective.” She praises how
simple it is for most women to learn how to operate Miele
appliances.
“Did the stains come out?” Participants
learn how to perfectly care for laundry
and fabrics of all kinds.
After all, most have been running their own household for
years. Nine to twelve women participate in each course. They
are between the ages of 30 and 55, often with at least preparatory
training in the restaurant/the hotel sector or from nursing,
while some have vocational training. After graduating from
the Domestic Science Academy, most of them again find a
position.
Miele The Magazine // 37
GERMANY