Ever since Nordic Steel welcomed its first apprentice over ten years ago, the aim has been to provide the company's apprentices with the best training available. During these years, 30 young boys and girls have completed their apprenticeships at the company.
Many of them are still employed by Nordic Steel. Like Mathias Oftedal. The 23-year-old from Nærbø currently works as a production technician at Nordic Steel, and couldn't imagine doing anything else.
It started a bit by chance. As a student at Bryne VGS, he joined the class on a company visit to Nordic Steel towards the end of the school year in 2018. He himself didn't quite know what he was going to do after the summer. As one of the few in his class, he had not applied for an apprenticeship. But what he experienced during his short visit was decisive: This is where he wanted to be.
- There was something about the environment," Mathias says today.
The next day, he applied for an apprenticeship at Nordic Steel. He has stayed ever since and has no plans to change that.
- For me, the apprenticeship was really exciting. I wouldn't mind experiencing it again. There were always new challenges - on new levels. As an apprentice at Nordic Steel, you are both tested and given responsibility, and if you want to, you get to work hard and feel the sense of achievement," says Mathias.
As an apprentice, he became familiar with all departments in production. He thrived, and when his apprenticeship came to an end, he was determined to continue working in the company. What no one could have foreseen was that as the professional test approached, society was changed overnight by a pandemic. Infection control rules, layoffs, working from home and uncertainty would characterize school, working life and everyday life for most people.
- It was difficult enough to pass the professional exams, and because of the special circumstances, it took a while before I was offered permanent employment.
Mathias had no plan B. He has never regretted it for a second.
- I've had a great time during these years and feel that I've been part of an exciting adventure. It's the people here - and a fantastic environment - that makes you stay.
Today - three years after taking his own apprenticeship - he is responsible for supervising new apprentices.
One of those who will benefit is Endre Berge Skaret. He is 19 years old, lives in Bryne and will soon finish his apprenticeship at Nordic Steel. During the summer, he will take his trade test.
- "I don't know what the project will be, but I have a week to work on it. I'm excited, but I expect it to go well. I've gained a lot of experience during these two years," says Endre.
He knew a little more about what he was getting into. Endre was given the opportunity to try out the company for a couple of weeks when he was placed as a trainee, and contacted Nordic Steel himself when he later needed an apprenticeship. Endre received an answer quite immediately, and started as an apprentice on August 16, 2021.
.jpg)
- I've learned a lot and I'm really enjoying it," says Endre.
As an apprentice, Endre works shifts, alternating between day and evening shifts. The day shifts start at six in the morning and last until half past two, while the evening shift runs from two to eleven. Before the evening shift, he sometimes makes use of the company's training facilities, which he shares with both employees and their families.
- What happens when the apprenticeship is over?
- "I'll be working at Nordic Steel until I leave for the military in October. What happens after that, I don't really know yet. I've considered supplementary education to get my study qualifications, but if I get a job, I'd love to work at Nordic Steel.
¬¬- What advice would you give to others looking for an apprenticeship?
- Try to find a company you want to work for. It's two years of your life, and it's important to be somewhere you feel and experience that you fit. For me, Nordic Steel has been the place, and I haven't regretted it for a day.
Live Selvik Erga (19) from Pollestad was one of those who accepted an apprenticeship at Nordic Steel last year. She had also been with the company for two weeks in connection with a placement.
- I'm really enjoying it. In the beginning I was in assembly, now I'm in the laser," says Live.
Next summer, she will graduate as a production technician and can - if she wants to - in all likelihood find a secure job. Production engineering is a sought-after skill.
- "I like physical work and wanted to get out into the workplace," says Live Selvik Erga, who was one of two girls who chose production technology in the class.
This is good news for the industry. The need for professional skills in the industry has never been greater. The demand for sheet metal workers, industrial plumbers and welders in particular has increased far more than the educational institutions are able to offer. Nordic Steel's goal is to have eight apprentices in training at any given time.
- For us, it's important that there is time to properly follow up on apprentices and give them the best education. Training our future workers is important. We also think it's a social responsibility to further develop young people," says Bjørnar Huru, Operations Manager and Assistant General Manager at Nordic Steel.
- Apprentices are trainees and apprentices are there to learn. But can companies also learn something from apprentices?
- Yes, the company learns something from all its workers - including the apprentices. They have a lot of knowledge about today's technology, and they are curious and solution-oriented.
- Summer is approaching. If anyone is still looking for an apprenticeship, please get in touch.
- Yes, they can contact us at any time for an assessment of an apprenticeship," says Huru.
