Summer temps in full swing

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Communications

- This is my first proper summer job. So far it has been a very nice experience, says Elise, who studies daily at the University of Agder in Kristiansand. There, she has one year left on her bachelor's degree in marketing and management.

Accounting is not among the subjects on the course. But Elise has received expert guidance from Randi R. Kaspersen - head of purchasing at Tratec Halvorsen.

- I HAVE LEARNED a lot of Randi. In addition to scanning paper invoices, I have booked invoices that have come in and sent them for approval, says the 21-year-old, adding that the office job this summer will give her valuable experience.

- I still haven't decided whether I'm going to go on and get a master's degree, or whether I'm going to start working. But now I fortunately know a little more about what a working day entails, says Elise.

SHE THINKS Tratec Halvorsen seems like a great workplace.

- Even though I sit alone in the office a lot, I talk quite a bit with the other people who work here. The working environment seems absolutely fine, says Elise, who will work for a total of six weeks.

She comes from Flekkefjord, but this summer she commutes between Øyesletta and her parents' cabin at Hidra.

- There is a little more to do outside when the weather is nice. We fish a lot, and then I'm with friends and reading books, says Elise.

AT THE WORKSHOP Leon is in the process of welding two hinges to a pipe.

- This is a pipe through which wires will pass, and which will be used here at the workshop. Otherwise, what I can weld is somewhat limited. Everything that is made for customers must be certified to be able to produce, says the 16-year-old.

He will work for three weeks in the workshop, helping where an extra hand is needed.

- IT IS VERY fun. And then I get to use part of what I've learned at school, says Leon, who has just finished his first year of technology and industrial subjects (TIP) at Flekkefjord upper secondary school.

This winter he was on secondment from school at the workshop. When he finished, he asked about a summer job. And he got that.

- I THRIVE Very good. It also helps that there are several other young people here at the workshop, says Leon.

Two of them live at Sira, like himself. Thus, he has someone to sit with to and from work.

Leon's plan is to take a certificate as an industrial mechanic. He does not rule out that he will apply for an apprenticeship at Tratec Halvorsen.

- We'll see where it goes. But I like it here, says Leon.