New apprentices thrive in the workshop

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Communications 

- The tasks are varied. I think that's very good, says Ulrik.

- And then the environment is good. There are many nice people who work here, says Evan Nathaniel.

After two years at upper secondary school in Flekkefjord, the two Sira boys started this autumn as apprentices at Tratec Halvorsen. The plan is to take a certificate as an industrial mechanic after two years in the workshop.

- THE FIRST what we did when we started was practice welding. After two weeks we received a certificate. So now we do a lot of welding, says Evan Nathaniel.

But the two apprentices have also changed valves and participated in pressure testing of tanks.

- After all, we have to know everything in the workshop before we go up for the professional test, points out Ulrik.

HE HAS family members who have worked at Tratec Halvorsen in the past, and had therefore heard a lot of good things about the company before he applied for an apprenticeship.

- We learned from a teacher that Tratec Halvorsen needed apprentices, and got in touch. Then we sent in an application with a CV, explains Ulrik.

WORKSHOP MANAGER John Vester Nielsen is happy to have the two young apprentices in place. He points out that Tratec Halvorsen has a responsibility to train skilled craftsmen and make the subject interesting.

- As a company, we must set aside time and resources to follow them up properly, says Nielsen.

- And how is it going so far?

- They are thrown into a new everyday life. At the same time, they get many exciting challenges in the workshop. The two of them will probably become good mechanics, smiles Nielsen.

One of the most important things he teaches the young people is good attitudes.

- If you're going to work here, you have to show up on time. Food and drink are also necessary, advises Nielsen.

He naturally hopes that the apprentice duo will eventually perform so well that the company can offer them permanent employment after two years.

- We will see how good they become, and whether they themselves want to continue after taking the vocational certificate. A lot can happen in two years, says Nielsen.

Evan Nathaniel Johnsen gets ready to weld.

Ulrik Sirnes Birkeland in swing lifting an element together with a collet.

They thrive in the workshop, the two Sira boys Ulrik Sirnes Birkeland (tv) and Evan Nathaniel Johnsen.