"I started at Ivar Halvorsen's bakery the day I turned 15, but got bored, looked for something new, and through an acquaintance I sent an open application to ELIQUO.
Young Reiulf had never taken in an angle grinder, but was fond of working, eager to learn, and the guys in the workshop noticed the apprenticeship.
Safe and sound
"The first memory I have of that time is that it was safe and sound here. And I like things that are safe.
Alongside his job, he took up subjects. Finally, he also had a certificate of apprenticeship as an industrial plumber, became a permanent employee, and traveled the country welding pipes.
Today, he himself leads the workshop.
"My job is to facilitate so that the others can do the job they are supposed to do. There's a lot going on, a lot of phone calls, and a lot that needs to be taken on the fly. But I enjoy working with people, even when conflicts arise that need to be resolved," explains Reiulf, who in addition to his job as manager in the workshop is the company's main safety representative.
Every day he reminds himself of what it was like to be a new apprentice in ELIQUO, of the support he received from the older guys.
Includes all
"As your manager, I try to give the employees the same security that I myself experienced," he emphasizes.
"We always arrive at the best solutions together. We must include and create a framework where everyone dares to speak their minds. Because people are different, and it's not always that those who shout the loudest have the most to say.
He describes his own workday as varied and eventful.
"I'm really enjoying it, which is why I've stayed here all these years," he says.
"The bakery was fast-paced as well, and I still think it's fun to cook at home, but I'm getting closer to the people in this job and that's good for me. I have no plans to do anything else.