In the ISS industry, finding qualified workers for insulation, scaffolding and surface protection can be a significant challenge. This is especially true in the energy sector, where operators, engineers, and technical personnel with specialized skills are critical to ensuring both quality and safety on projects.
Limited educational offerings
Despite the importance of these disciplines, the availability of higher education in ISS disciplines is limited. At KAEFER, we have experienced this first-hand. Many of our engineers and technical staff come from other industries and educational backgrounds, such as construction, mechanical engineering, energy and environment. Others started out as skilled workers and progressed through experience and internal training.
Cooperation with Fagskolen Rogaland
To strengthen professional competence and meet future needs, KAEFER has entered into a cooperation with Fagskolen Rogaland for a two-year continuing education program for engineers and technical personnel. The study is designed to be combined with work and consists of four modules: materials, insulation, surface protection and scaffolding. The training provides participants with a deeper insight and understanding as well as increased competence in ISS disciplines.
Increased competence and professional pride
The goal of continuing education is to raise both individual competence and the overall professional level of the industry. By investing in education, we contribute to increased professional pride, higher quality work, and better recruitment and development opportunities. Each module is worth 10 study points and the study is spread over four semesters.
The importance of ISO disciplines
Øystein Lea, head of engineering at KAEFER, emphasizes that there has long been a need for professional development in ISS disciplines in higher education. He points out that the disciplines are important for work on energy transition, energy efficiency and extending the lifetime of technical assets. There is a lack of higher education in ISS disciplines, so we are taking the initiative together with academia to strengthen our competence and add ISS expertise to individuals with other technical backgrounds.
Great benefits for employees and the company
From an HR perspective, Anne Brakstad confirms that the training program at KAEFER is of great value to both employees and the company. It provides employees with opportunities for personal development, career growth and increased job satisfaction – while at the same time strengthening KAEFER’s competitiveness and adaptability.
Experiences from the participants
We spoke with two of the participants in the training program: Lukasz Grudzien and Amund Aas.
Lukasz Grudzien
Lukasz works as an insulation field engineer on the Jotun HUC project and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. An important motivation for taking the course was the desire to learn more about areas such as surface protection. He says that the combination of work and study works well and that the lectures are both interesting and educational, especially because they are conducted digitally.
He highlights the lecture with Christoph Lau from KAEFER as the most rewarding. Lukasz laughs when he talks about seeing the iron-carbon diagram again, almost 20 years after he last saw it. Now in his second semester, he believes the training will pay off – both professionally and personally.
– I hope it will make me even better equipped to represent KAEFER to our clients. It is important that our expertise develops in line with the requirements and needs of our customers. This study is a valuable addition to the knowledge I already have,” he says.
Lukasz is also aware that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the industry and believes it is important to give young people the opportunity and support they need to develop. He is convinced that investing in skills development is a smart strategy to strengthen the bond between employees and employers.
– Our disciplines are becoming more technically advanced, and higher education provides insights that can lead to new solutions and products. At the same time, the demands on safety and HSE are high, and I am sure that competence gives us a stronger voice in the industry,” he says.
Lukasz concludes: – It is nice to be part of this competence boost. Being invited to participate in such a program shows that KAEFER is willing to invest in its employees – and that creates a sense of belonging and long-term commitment.
Amund Aas
Amund works as a V&M and PRO manager at Halten. He says it has been challenging to combine work and study, especially with demanding subjects that require a lot of time and effort. He often uses weekends to catch up, but finds that the education gives him a better understanding – especially of insulation, which is directly relevant to his job.
Future Competence Needs
Both Lukasz and Amund believe that the training gives them the desire and willingness to learn more. They hope the training will give them an edge in meeting future needs and see it as an important step in their professional development. Amund also emphasizes the value of internal training as a key to improving the industry as a whole.
Recruitment and Competence Development
To improve recruitment, Amund suggests that there should be greater visibility of ISO disciplines, as well as closer collaboration with civil engineers. He also believes that education can eventually be adapted for operational personnel, so that more people have the opportunity to strengthen their theoretical knowledge.
Recommendation of the Study
Amund recommends the training to colleagues, especially those with practical experience in the industry. Although it can be challenging to combine study and work, he believes it is a valuable investment for those who want to develop.
