Why does Eramet Norway get involved in education issues?

As a company, we are dependent on having skilled professionals and specialists which enables us to operate as efficiently as possible and to develop our smelters for the future. At our three smelters, there are many employees who are involved in education by working with apprentices, participating in education fairs, receiving school pupils or getting engaged politically to ensure educational opportunities.

‘We are involved in education issues because we need skilled employees for the future. Employees actively participate in school visits and at education fairs, and we work closely with educational institutions so that we can recruit the expertise we need to develop our smelters. This commitment also helps us to market our company as an attractive workplace. By influencing the educational institutions, we ensure that we are equipped for the challenges of the future. A large thank you to everyone who contributes!’ said Marianne Franche, HR Director at Eramet Norway.

Apprentices

Eramet Norway is a registered apprenticeship friendly company that annually accepts a large number of apprentices at all smelters. We consider this to be part of our social responsibility: To offer an apprenticeship so that students can take their exams and receive a trade certificate, even though we do not have the opportunity to offer everyone who receive their trade certificate a permanent job.

Being an approved apprenticeship company places demands on all parties involved, including mentors, sponsors, managers and employees who are the apprentices’ colleagues. Apprentices are entitled to continuous support and assessment throughout the apprenticeship.

‘It is important that the time the apprentices have with us prepares them in a good way for the trade exam and that it is in accordance with the Education Act,’ said Kitty Bøckman, senior advisor for operator development which includes coordination of the apprenticeships across the company.

At Eramet Norway, apprentices themselves and everyone involved in the work with apprentices make up about 25% of our total staff.

Kai Nordvaag, head of logistics and shipping coordinator PFSO / security manager at the plant in Porsgrunn, has been involved in the work with apprentices for several years, a work he appreciates.

‘Working with apprentices has given me a lot. We are all different and not all have the same background, but to see them develop and take a vocational test, get jobs after graduation must surely mean that we have done something right. I’m still in contact with apprentices who graduated many years ago, and both new and old use us as references in the search for new jobs,’ said Nordvaag.

Educational fairs

Thomas Gilbertson, apprentice coordinator in Kvinesdal, is very involved in meeting pupils and students and he participates at fairs, most recently at the ‘Open Day’ at Flekkefjord upper secondary school.

‘We see great value in participating in such events. First and foremost, to be visible and show what we can offer, but also to connect with other companies in the region,’ said Gilbertson.

The smelters in Sauda and in Kvinesdal have participated actively to give girls an insight into the industry. The smelter in Kvinesdal welcomed a group of girls in connection with Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise’s (NHO) ‘Girls and Technology’ and five female employees from Sauda actively participated to make GirlTech Sauda a success.

‘It is important to help girls find good role models in technological professions. Showcasing female role models from industry is crucial to motivate and inspire young girls to consider careers in technology and industry,’ says Line Otten, who works at the laboratory in Sauda.