One of the participants in the program is Alexandru Paulovits. With a background in the construction industry, he was looking for a new challenge and took the leap into the offshore industry in 2019, joining Bilfinger as an industrial painter.
– I have always wanted to work offshore, and Bilfinger gave me the chance. The leadership talent program was the perfect opportunity to further develop myself, learn something new, and contribute to something bigger, Alexandru explains.
Knowledge and development from day one
Before joining Bilfinger, Alexandru completed a GSK course and obtained a health certificate to qualify for offshore work. During an interview with Bilfinger, he was offered the opportunity to take an AMO course through the company’s academy.
– The AMO course was a unique opportunity. I received training in industrial painting and several specialized ISO courses, including scaffolding and fall protection. It strengthened my position within the company and opened new doors for me, he says.
Later, he joined the leadership talent program, which provided him with valuable insights into leadership and communication.
– I have no regrets. The AMO course gave me a strong professional foundation, and the leadership program has helped me grow further as a leader.
Leadership development in action
For Alexandru, the leadership talent program has been a confirmation that Bilfinger values and invests in its employees.
– I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in practice, and I see how important it is for a company to invest in its leaders. When leaders develop, it creates more motivated employees, he says.
Through the program, he has gained a deeper understanding of leadership and how he can support and motivate his team.
– I have learned to see things from different perspectives, keep an open mind, and understand how people function. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of reflection—asking the right questions and gaining insights from every situation.
He actively applies these insights in his leadership role every day.
– I am more open to feedback, whether it is critical or positive. It helps me improve as a leader and colleague.
Spotting pathways for continued career growth
After completing the leadership talent program, Alexandru sees several new opportunities for further career development.
– Opportunities are abundant, but I’ve learned that to gain something, you must also contribute. It’s all about value for value. Currently, I’m pursuing practical leadership training, with the goal of advancing into a role in project management or HR, he explains.
For anyone thinking about applying to the leadership talent program, Alexandru has one clear message:
– I highly recommend that anyone who gets this opportunity seize it. It is a unique way to deepen your understanding of leadership and the human side of management. The possibilities are endless if you are clear about your goals, he concludes.
For Remy André H. Helgeland, Bilfinger’s leadership talent program has been a key milestone on his journey from insulator to site supervisor. Now, he looks forward to new challenges within the company.
He started at Bilfinger as an apprentice in 2008, initially aiming to become a welder or metalworker, but he ultimately specialized in insulation — a choice that led him to the Norwegian Championship for Insulation Apprentices and a long offshore career.
After 16 years as an insulator, he sought new challenges and applied for Bilfinger’s leadership talent program. Today, he is a site supervisor at the Brevik CCS project and thrives in his role.
– I never thought I would enjoy being a site supervisor this much, but I do, he says.
Increased confidence and new perspectives
Participating in the leadership talent program has significantly enhanced Remy’s confidence, communication skills, and ability to manage stress.
– I have realized that I no longer work with insulation and sheet metal — I work with people. That was the most important perspective shift for me, he says.
A key aspect of the program was identifying his strengths and areas for growth.
Through self-reflection and feedback from colleagues, he gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to become a good leader.
He continues to put his learning into practice—enhancing both his own growth and that of his team.
– I ask for honest feedback and emphasize creating a culture where people feel safe sharing their opinions. This leads to better collaboration and stronger results, he explains.
Leadership and continuous improvement
For Remy, the program has shown that leadership is not about one big change, but about small, continuous improvements.
– It is not one breakthrough that leads to learning, but rather a series of small ‘aha’ moments, he says.
He hopes that Bilfinger’s investment in leadership development will contribute to an even better work culture within the company.
– A stronger focus on leadership can lead to lower absenteeism, a better work environment, and increased efficiency. I believe this is an investment that will benefit both employees and Bilfinger as a whole, he elaborates.
Looking forward to new challenges
With the talent program completed, Remy looks forward to more exciting challenges.
– I want to continue my development at Bilfinger, and I am hoping to work with more fast-paced, significantly challenging projects. I definitely see opportunities for that within the company, he says.
His advice to employees considering a leadership role is clear:
– Take on more responsibility than your position requires, set both short-term and long-term goals, and be a positive role model for your colleagues. And if you are considering the talent program—apply! Show up with an open mind and dare to step out of your comfort zone—you have nothing to lose, he concludes.
