Fredrik Wicken serves as HR and Communications Coordinator at Brunvoll’s Molde office. One of his key responsibilities is welcoming new apprentices, guiding them through their introduction to Brunvoll, and supporting them throughout their apprenticeship. While most apprentices are between 19 and 21 years old, some start as young as 15 through the YSK apprenticeship model*.
“The first day for the new apprentices begins with a warm welcome from the HR department and all the supervisors who will be guiding them. Some apprentices have previously been here for work placements or internships and are already familiar with Brunvoll. For others, however, this is their very first day here and perhaps even their first meeting with professional life, apart from their job interview,” Fredrik explains.
As soon as the apprentices have been welcomed by the HR department and the supervisors, the apprentices are provided with relevant information, covering safety procedures, HR policies, establishing a framework for what expectations they can have for Brunvoll as an employer, and how they can make the most of their apprenticeship.
“For many apprentices, this is their first experience in the working world, and we strive to make their introduction, training, and overall apprenticeship journey as seamless and rewarding as possible. During the first few weeks, the focus is on helping them settle into the workplace and build connections with their colleagues”, Fredrik continues.
“Additionally, the HR department conducts two annual reviews with all apprentices (more frequently if needed) to assess matters unrelated to the professional aspects of their apprenticeship. This meeting is held solely between HR and the apprentice, providing a space to share any thoughts or concerns they might not have raised otherwise. These reviews give us, as an employer, valuable insight into how the apprentices experience their time at Brunvoll, both as a training provider and as an employer. Should any issues arise during the apprenticeship, Brunvoll acts quickly to make necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure that the apprentices gain the best possible experience”.
During their apprenticeship, the apprentices follow a structured training plan with various milestones. Once per semester, the supervisor, apprentice and a representative from the training office (OTEK) meet to review the criteria and ensure that the apprentice is acquiring the necessary professional skills and knowledge.
«At Brunvoll, we can offer valuable hands-on experience but also insight into how an organisation relies on well-functioning processes, dedication, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary synergies to achieve great results. We are committed to giving young people a positive and professional start. We often receive positive feedback on how beneficial it is to complete apprenticeships in a setting where experienced craftsmanship is combined with young talent and a dynamic work environment. It is incredibly rewarding to see young people find their path, grow through experience and, in many cases, either continue their journey with us or pursue further studies before perhaps returning with further education, experiences and new knowledge. As a learning organisation focused on continuous development, our apprentices play a crucial role in shaping our future and driving our strategy forward,” says Marthe Outzen, Executive Vice President of HR & Communication at Brunvoll.
We currently train apprentices in a variety of fields, including ICT Service Technicians, Industrial Surface Treatment Specialists, IT Developers, Plate Workers, CNC Operators, Industrial Mechanics and Automation Technicians. Additionally, we offer a combined apprenticeship model that allows apprentices to earn certifications in both Assembly and Automation within the same training period.
Since 1968, Brunvoll in Molde** has employed more than 321 apprentices. At the end of 2024, 127 of them still work here. Our current goal is for apprentices to make up 7.5% of our workforce.
*YSK stands for “Yrkes- og studiekompetanse,” which translates to vocational specialisation or vocational subjects. It is a part of the Norwegian education system where upper secondary (high school) students can choose a vocational track, gaining insight and experience in a specific trade or profession. These apprentices are often just 15 years old during their first year of apprenticeship.
**Our Dalen and Volda locations also offer apprenticeships but have no historical numbers.
