In a workshop at the Vard shipyard in Tomrefjord, Sander Devold (22) stands in overalls and a helmet. He polishes the welding skate on a pipe. – I’m enjoying myself. It is instructive and there is a lot to do right now, says Devold. The plan was not at all to wear safety shoes and a helmet in an industrial company. He was to become a police officer and wear a uniform. He therefore started a study specialization at secondary school and worked his way up. After 2nd grade, he realized that the requirements to become a police officer were too tough. – I didn’t get the cut to get in, says Devold. Thus he changes his plan. He would rather become a pipe fitter, but decided to complete all three years of study specialization. Devold was certain that he would have to start school again with two new years of vocational subjects. He was wrong there. Sander’s apprenticeship will be longer than if he had taken a vocational course. In addition, he has taken a theory exam as a private individual. Photo: Remi Sagen / news Many are unsure March 1 is the normal deadline for applying to further school, and many find it difficult to decide which direction they want to go. – You should do a lot of research on what possibilities exist. But no matter what you choose, you can study further if you want to, says Tomas Iversen. He is career guidance manager at Karriereveiledning.no. There is the greatest chance of thriving and doing well at school if you choose a direction you are interested in. Iversen still believes that it is important not to stress, because it is entirely possible to change your mind. – Everyone has the right to change their education program during secondary school. There may also be other possibilities by contacting the adviser at the school, says Iversen. Figures from the Norwegian Directorate of Education show that 2,999 students changed programs after 1st grade last year. Application for further education 1 March is the ordinary application deadline for further education and placement for an apprenticeship. You apply via the website vigo.no. The website closes at 23.59 on the day the application deadline is. You can change your application right up until the deadline. You can choose between 15 educational programs. Five are preparatory students and 10 are vocational specialists. (Source: Vigo.no) Show interest Marit Volstad, day-to-day manager at Nordre Ålesund training office, says that Sander’s story shows that there are opportunities even if one has made the wrong choice. Today, her office is responsible for four apprentices who have not followed the usual vocational path. – It usually works out if you are willing to stand your ground and show interest, says Volstad. Did you choose the right education at the first attempt? Yes, I was never in doubt about what I wanted to be No, I changed along the way Show result Seek out companies themselves She encourages the students to both contact the training office and actively seek out companies themselves in order to get an apprenticeship. Many companies have their own application deadlines. – The only challenge is that the apprenticeship will be longer by doing it this way, says Volstad. This means that instead of two years as an apprentice, it can take 3.5 years before you get your qualification. In addition, one must take a theory exam. Ronny Langset is shipyard director at Vard Langsten and has a great need for skilled workers. Photo: Remi Sagen / news Sander, who wanted to become a pipe fitter, has bought a house, started writing applications and was invited to a job interview at the Vard Langsten shipyard. There he got the hang of it. – The beauty of being an apprentice is that you get paid from day one, says Devold. Now the 22-year-old has bought a house and is looking forward to getting his vocational certificate. He believes that young people do not need to be so afraid of making the wrong choice. – I understand that people are stressed, but there is always an opportunity to choose again. It is not the case that the choice you make is the choice for the rest of your life, says Devold. He envisions working in the shipping industry for a few years, but hopes to start for himself as a pipelayer in time. – I am glad that I chose again, says Devold. Sander Devold does not regret changing his mind. He hopes to start for himself sometime in the future. Photo: Remi Sagen / news
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Sander went to university for three years, but found out that he wanted to become a pipe fitter
