– I chose this direction to get a varied working day. I certainly got that. Stine Walente works high under the roof in a detached house in Fredrikstad. Here, the foundation for what will become a solar panel is mounted on the outside. She is a solar cell fitter apprentice. The industry is desperate for more people like her. In line with rising electricity prices, many Norwegians have looked for ways to save electricity. Now many are taking the step and want to produce the electricity themselves, precisely through solar cells. The Fredrikstad-based company Solcellespesialisten has experienced an enormous increase in demand. – In January last year, we had 50 full-time employees. Today we are 165, says managing director Carl Christian Strømberg. – And we need an average of 333 man-years next year to handle the orders that have arrived so far, and which are expected in the future. Stine Walente works at height. Photo: Stein Ove Korneliussen / news Solar cells on the schedule Strømberg estimates that the industry will lack an enormous number of fitters already next year. – If we are going to reach the same level as Sweden, which installs 40-50,000 solar systems a year, we need more than 1,000 people who can work with the installation of solar systems, he says. – There will be a big backlog if we don’t take action. Carl Christian Strømberg has secured Stine Walente as an apprentice. But he needs more. Photo: Stein Ove Korneliussen/news Now he suggests that solar cells should be included in the timetable in upper secondary schools to cover the demand. – We would like to see the apprentices come with a basic foundation from school, so that they don’t have to start from scratch. Strømberg believes solar cells should be a natural part of electrical education. – I envision an advanced subject in the second or third year, where you specialize in solar systems. Viken positive The county municipalities are responsible for upper secondary education in Norway. Viken is very positive about the proposal. – When the industry comes and tells us about a need, it is our job to support that arrangements are made for a training course where Norwegian society lacks manpower, says Olav Horne. He is section leader for vocational and vocational training in Viken county municipality. Now he will ask for concrete input from the industry. Stine Walente has no problems recommending the profession further. – It’s a practical and varied job, where you get to use your body. Just drive on.
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