Samson completed his theoretical education in high school 20 years ago but never secured an apprenticeship back then. "I have regularly tried to get an apprenticeship but never succeeded. Eventually, I became too old," he says.
Samson had received so many rejections that he had essentially given up on getting a trade certificate. However, thanks to GREP and the training office, he got a chance with Bilfinger. "I started as an intern in November, and on April 1st, I began as an automation apprentice," says a pleased Samson. "I am very happy to finally be able to get a trade certificate. I am a nerd when it comes to automation, and a trade certificate gives me a much safer and better future in the workforce."
Perseverance and Interest
"The process started when the training office Industrilærling asked if we were interested in having Samson as an intern with us," says Kjetil Nilssen, head of automation, calibration, and analysis at Bilfinger in Porsgrunn. "The goal of the internship period was a trade certificate, and in March, Samson started an apprenticeship with us. We thought it was great to be able to offer an opportunity to someone who had fallen outside the system."
There were several reasons why the man from Skien was offered an apprenticeship. Perseverance and genuine interest in the field were particularly important in the assessment.
GREP
"The award was established because GREP wanted to show how inclusive our local environment actually is," says job consultant Marianne Stulen.
The "GREP Company of the Month" award is given to an employer who goes the extra mile. GREP wants to highlight this and simultaneously express gratitude.
"Bilfinger was nominated based on very good cooperation around the common goal of an apprenticeship contract for Samson Robertsen. Bilfinger showed an inclusive and open attitude towards the collaboration. My experience of the collaboration is that Bilfinger is an employer who is concerned with people's development – both professionally and personally," says Stulen.
