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They began their careers in production with trade certificates. Today, Kenneth and Kristian are trainees at Westcon, gaining broader project insight and new opportunities for growth.
For Kenneth Gjellestad and Kristian Åsbø, their journey at Westcon began with trade certificates and hands-on work in production. Today, both are part of the trainee program in Ølen—an important step that offers new project perspectives, a broader understanding of the bigger picture, and more career opportunities ahead.
“The trainee program seemed like a great way to build on the experience I already have, while also learning more about the overall scope of the projects and the organization,” says Kristian.
Both Kenneth and Kristian have extensive experience from the shipyard and started early with a desire to learn a trade and enter working life.
Kenneth joined Westcon as an apprentice industrial mechanic in 2008 and later earned an additional trade certificate as a plate worker. What began as a practical path into working life became the start of a career with many different roles.
“I got to try many different tasks and really enjoyed both the people and the work. Applying for an apprenticeship here felt natural—and it’s something I’ve never regretted,” he says.
Kristian began as an apprentice industrial pipefitter in 2006. For him, earning a trade certificate was a natural choice, and his enjoyment of the workplace made him stay on.
“I wanted a trade certificate and a practical route into working life. I enjoyed my colleagues and the job, and the path has taken shape along the way,” he says.
After many years in different roles, both were given the opportunity to build further on their experience through technical college education. This also became a springboard into the trainee program.
For Kenneth, it was crucial that the education could be combined with work.
“The program was part-time over three years, so I could work and study at the same time. That’s really what made me choose further education,” he explains.
Kristian worked for many years as an industrial pipefitter and also held positions as lead hand and supervisor before completing technical college last year.
Both highlight that the trainee period has given them a better understanding of how projects fit together.
Kenneth emphasizes how much he has learned about the importance of cost control, planning, and communication.
“In production, the focus is on getting the job done on time and with good quality. As a trainee, I’ve learned much more about how important costs, documentation, delivery times, and good communication between the customer, the project team, and the workforce really are,” he says.
Kristian points out the value of gaining insight into how different parts of the organization work.
“It’s useful to see projects from several perspectives, not just from your own department,” he says.
Daily life as a trainee is varied and closely linked to real projects.
Kenneth has, among other things, worked on the Aker project, where he has been involved in technical follow-up, material handling, and coordination between technical disciplines and the customer.
“It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says.
Kristian has recently been involved in the Quantus project leading up to sea trials and handover.
“The workday varies quite a bit, but there’s a lot of follow-up in the field, coordination, and dialogue with other disciplines and project management,” he explains.
The stories of Kenneth and Kristian show that there are many paths forward for those who start with a trade certificate. Through production experience, further education, and new roles in the trainee program, both have built their careers step by step at Westcon.
What they share is a willingness to stay curious, seize opportunities along the way, and build on the skills they already have.
- There are many opportunities here if you’re willing to learn and take responsibility,” says Kristian.
- There’s absolutely room to continue developing here,” Kenneth concludes.
