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From production to trainee: Kenneth Gjellestad and Kristian Pedersen Åsbø are building upon their vocational certificate and experience at Westcon.
For Kenneth Gjellestad and Kristian Åsbø, their journey at Westcon began with a vocational certificate and work in production. Now, they are both part of the trainee program in Ølen; a step that provides them with new perspectives on projects, a greater understanding of the overall context, and even more career opportunities.
– The trainee program seemed like a good way to build upon the experience I already have, and at the same time learn more about the overall context of the projects and the organization, says Kristian.
A path that started in skilled work
Both Kenneth and Kristian have extensive experience from the shipyard, and both started early with a desire to learn a trade and enter the workforce.
Kenneth started at Westcon as an apprentice in industrial mechanics in 2008, and later also obtained a vocational certificate as a sheet metal worker. What was initially a practical entry into the workforce became the start of a career with many different roles.
– I got to try out different tasks and really liked both the people and the work. It was then natural to apply for an apprenticeship here – and I haven't regretted it, he says.
Kristian started as an industrial plumber apprentice in 2006. For him, getting a vocational certificate was a natural choice, and his satisfaction at work made him stay.
– I wanted a vocational certificate and a practical path into the workforce. I enjoyed working with my colleagues and the work itself, and things have developed as I went along, he says.
Took the next step with the trainee program
After many years in various roles, both were given the opportunity to build upon their experience with a technical vocational college. This also became a springboard into the trainee program.
For Kenneth, it was crucial that the education could be combined with work.
– The studies were part-time over three years, so I could work and study side by side. That was essentially what made me choose to pursue further education, he says.
Kristian worked for many years as an industrial plumber, also holding roles as a foreman and supervisor before completing technical college last year.
Gaining a multi-faceted view of projects
Both highlight that the trainee period has given them a better understanding of how projects are interconnected.
Kenneth explains that he has particularly learned the importance of costs, 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 the importance of costs, documentation, delivery times, and good communication between the client, the project, and those performing the work," he says.
Kristian points out that gaining insight into how different parts of the organization operate is valuable.
"It's useful to see projects from multiple perspectives, not just from your own department," he says.
A varied workday
The 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 professional disciplines and the client.
"It's been a steep learning curve, but I've really enjoyed it," he says.
Kristian has recently been involved with the Quantus project, leading up to its sea trial and handover.
"My workday varies quite a bit, but it largely involves on-site follow-up, coordination, and dialogue with other disciplines and project management," he explains.
A trade certificate can open many doors
Kenneth and Kristian's stories show that there are many paths forward for those who start with a vocational certificate. With experience from production, further education, and new roles through the trainee program, they have both steadily built their careers at Westcon.
Common to both is that their development has come from being curious, seizing opportunities along the way, and building upon what they already know.
– There are many opportunities here if you are willing to learn and take responsibility, says Kristian.
– There's definitely an opportunity to develop further here, Kenneth concludes.
