Our smelter in Kvinesdal had the pleasure of giving close to 100 students from Flekkefjord upper secondary school an insight into our world last week.
It was a hectic week for Thomas Gilbertson, safety supervisor and apprentice coordinator in Kvinesdal. He was responsible for meeting approximately 100 students from seven classes at Flekkefjord upper secondary school and giving them an insight into the everyday life at the smelter.
‘We tell a little about the importance of industry in Norway and a little about electricity prices, emissions and other things that they hear about in the media. There are often several questions about these things,’ said Thomas.
Naturally the students also get a tour of the smelter after the mandatory safety briefing.
‘Everyone is very happy to get out and see how things work in the real world, and we get nothing but good feedback from those who visit. We always provide food and soft drinks, so of course that can also be a contributing factor!’ said Thomas.
Focus on HSE and the future
Of the seven classes that visited the plant this week, there were two electrical classes and three technology and industrial classes, as well as one construction and one natural resources class.
‘The young people now are very interested in HSE, and they have many questions about job opportunities after completing their trade certificate. They are also very concerned about the job opportunities that exist in the region,’ said Thomas.
Engaging work
Thomas is an apprentice coordinator in Kvinesdal, and every year he receives a lot of visitors, both pupils and students, but also other groups who have an interest in the smelter and the role we play in today’s society.
‘My motivation for being part of this is that I have a great desire for this company to be the best for another 50 years, and that requires good people to work and run the company. That’s why I think it’s extremely important that we give them a good and honest impression of what it’s like to work in the industry and what the industry means to the local community,’ said Thomas.
Thomas started at the plant as a substitute before he became a permanent operator, and he is concerned that this should be a good workplace where everyone thrives.
‘I have been here since I was olde enough to work and will probably stay here until I retire, so I want the company to be the best possible. It should simply be the best workplace in the region, and as such, recruitment is the most important thing going forward. we need to have the best people to be able to have the best company,’ said Thomas.
