– I’ve had to learn many new things to adapt, and I’ve been required to try my hand in several areas within the company. It’s been exciting to experience various aspects of the process, says Ingvild in the midst of a typical working day.
Trial period in various departments
During her first year as an apprentice, Ingvild has spent time in several departments, including logistics and transport, for several weeks. She will also have a period in the warehouse and later in finance as part of her education. However, her main base is usually at the customer centre.
– I register orders and handle those that come in, either by email or phone. I also assist at the technical customer centre, Ingvild explains about her usual tasks at BEWI Insulation, formerly known as Jackon.
– At the customer centre, Svein Inge and Kari primarily support me. Sometimes, I have questions, or they identify areas where I need to develop my expertise. Ole and Ellen have been my mentors in the warehouse and logistics departments, she says about the guidance she receives.
Valuable to have an apprentice
Ingvild is pleased to have been chosen as an apprentice by BEWI. On the other hand, BEWI is proud to take on social responsibility by giving young talents a strong start in their professional careers. The 21-year-old, who hails from Gressvik, is working towards a certificate in service and administration and has found her footing at BEWI’s location in Gressvik, Fredrikstad.
– We recognised Ingvild’s potential when she was here for a summer job. We’ve never had an administrative apprentice before, but our site in Denmark referred to it as positive. So, we did some research, including consulting Natre, the Education Office, and the county council, and made it happen. We see this as a way to contribute to society by helping young people enter the workforce, says Kari E. Jørgensen, who is responsible for Ingvild’s apprenticeship at BEWI.
The internship period is part of a three-year apprenticeship.
– We don’t see Ingvild as just cheap labour, but as a resource with potential, whether here or elsewhere in the future, Kari continues.
Multiple Apprenticeships at BEWI
Before Ingvild’s apprenticeship contract could be signed, BEWI had to be approved as an apprenticeship provider in her field. The Fredrikstad factory also typically hosts several apprentices in production and technical maintenance.
Ingvild’s first experience with the company was in the summer of 2021 at the technical customer centre, following a tip from her father, Ole, who works at the exact location. The company was looking for a summer temp at the time.
– I was there until September of the same year when an opportunity arose at the customer centre. From March 2022, I was in a trainee role until the summer when my apprenticeship officially began, she explains.
– There is something about having a more fixed time perspective, as I’ll be here until spring 2025. Then I will take the professional test, says Bendiksen.
Colleagues make each day better
It has been an exciting time since she graduated from Frederik II Upper Secondary School, and now Ingvild appreciates every day at the company.
– The environment here is fantastic! It feels like a Friday atmosphere every day. Well-being is so important for how you feel at work, she emphasises, smiling at the relationship she has developed with the rest of the customer centre team.
– We have a “schedule” outlining the tasks for the day, so everyone knows who is on call, who answers emails, and who handles other duties. Tasks are usually divided into half-days, which adds variety to the workday and provides predictability for upcoming tasks.
– What advice would you give to other apprentices?
– Remember to breathe! You might be given tasks that seem overwhelming or completely new. For example, at the beginning, I was afraid to answer the phone, but I had to respond to customers. It turns out it’s not that bad—the callers are friendly!
And what would she say to those who might have the opportunity to apprentice at BEWI?
– Go for it! The people here are lovely, and on top of that, there are waffles every Friday in the canteen. It’s become a tradition, smiles Ingvild before heading off to tackle her following tasks—and the ringing phones that await.