On a welding course in the workshop

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Communications

- I think this is great fun, says Solveig, who is from Lyngdal.

- Yes, it's exciting to learn something new, adds Kim.

The two 21-year-olds will have work training at Tratec Halvorsen's workshop for a total of eight weeks. The goal is a welding certificate in a completely different form.

– BOTH STARTED completely scratch. So far, things are going very well, boasts workshop manager John Vester Nielsen.

Tratec Halvorsen has long had a close and good collaboration with Nav Lister. When the request came whether the company could start a welding course, Nielsen was positive.

 - There is a shortage of welders in the industry. We think it is exciting to contribute to educating more people, he says.

WHILE KIM has a background from, among other things, the farming industry, Solveig works at Alloc - which produces floors and wall panels for bathrooms and kitchens.

Both have been given their own employee number at Tratec Halvorsen, and stamp in and out like the other workers. In one corner of the hall, they have had their own welding corner set up.

- We have started with TIC welding. No advanced stuff. We are trying to weld two plates together, says Solveig.

She and Kim receive expert guidance from employees at the workshop.

– NAV HAS bought us a few hours off a week so we can follow them up. Eventually they will learn pipe welding and electrode welding, so we'll see if they eventually become good enough to get a certificate, says Nielsen.

He is sure that a welding certificate on the CV increases the chance of getting a job.

- If they don't get a job here, there will be opportunities elsewhere. In addition, both Kim and Solveig will gain a valuable insight into the workshop culture during these eight weeks, which they can take with them further into their working lives, says Nielsen.

Solveig Årnes thinks welding is great fun.

Kim Tesdal in action with the welding machine.