More and more women are finding their way into the industry. For Elina, it started with curiosity and ended with a new career path in CNC machining at Norske Backer.
As an adult apprentice in CNC machining, Elina is building her competence through the "Vocational Certificate at Work" scheme. Without a traditional school background in technology and industrial production, she has found her way through practical work combined with theory.
– I wanted a new direction in life, but had actually written off the industry. I didn't think it was right for me. After getting more information and trying it out for a few days, I noticed my interest growing.
It was especially the combination of precision, theory, and practical work that resonated.
"I like concrete results, and there is something satisfying about watching the tool work its way through the material. What I like best is when I succeed at something I initially found difficult. For example, when a program runs the way it is supposed to, or when I understand a connection I didn't see before. That sense of achievement is very motivating," says Elina.
An environment that wants you to succeed
The working environment is highlighted as an important factor for well-being and development.
- It is a strong professional environment, with plenty of room to ask questions. I feel that people genuinely want me to succeed, and that means a lot.
The sense of mastery in everyday life is also an important driving force.
When I accomplish something I initially thought was difficult, for example, getting a program to run properly, it is incredibly motivating.
Elina was also surprised by how advanced the industry actually is. From the outside it might look simple, but there is an enormous amount of precision and expertise behind it.
– The industry is far more technological and complex than I thought
Prejudices exist, but effort matters most
She feels that there are still prejudices regarding women in the industry, which was also one of the reasons she was hesitant in the first place.
– When you are in the minority, you are also aware that you represent more than just yourself.
At the same time, she finds that in practice it is professional interest and effort that matter most, and she feels both listened to and taken seriously.
- We need visibility and role models
To get more women to choose technical professions, she believes visibility is crucial.
Elina believes that role models are important, and that we must show that this is an exciting and secure career path with good job opportunities – also for women. In addition, she points out that technical professions require both precision, collaboration, and reflection, which are qualities that many women possess.
– I think it would have made it easier to see the possibilities for myself if I had seen more female role models earlier. At the same time, I felt that vocational education in general was talked down when I was choosing my education. Fortunately, a lot has improved since then.
Even though she is still new to the field, she feels she is taken seriously, both professionally and socially.
– I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given, and for the cooperation we have had in finding a good learning program, she says.
Internship students are also welcome
Norske Backer also has a female student on placement every Thursday. Lina is 20 years old and works with welding at Norske Backer. She points out that it is a very male-dominated profession, which can make it a bit difficult for women to enter the industry. Before the placement, she thought she would not feel welcome or accepted as a girl in a male-dominated profession, but she has been proven wrong. She gets to try things out and learn what she wants to study.
– I have been welcomed very well here at Norske Backer and was surprised by that, to be honest. I couldn't have asked for a better workplace.
Furthermore, she says that she thoroughly enjoys working at Norske Backer and wants to stay there for as long as possible. Lina also believes that women should dare to take the plunge and work hard.
– They may face adversity because the profession is still male-dominated, but don't give up. If this is something you really want, go for it!
The industry needs more skilled professionals and more women. With good role models, open work environments, and clear opportunities, we hope that more people will see that this is an industry where everyone can succeed. At Norske Backer, 22% of our employees are women, and many of them work in production. We encourage anyone interested in technical fields to take a closer look.
