Chief Mate Reidar Fredrik Frydenlund started his maritime career as an apprentice seaman with Norled. He is now a first mate and loves his job.
Frydenlund recommends more people to choose maritime education and is also a maritime career ambassador.
He took VG1 in technology and industrial subjects and VG2 in maritime subjects before joining Norled as an apprentice seaman.
– For me, being an apprentice was the only way to go. There are two ways to get to where I am today, but as a practitioner, apprenticeship was the right path for me. Ships, shipping and the sea just became more and more interesting. With an interest in transportation, big things that move and opportunities for development, the choice quickly fell on seamanship and later deck officer training.
Frydenlund believes that apprentices have “the world at their feet”.
-“It becomes what you make of it. And that means it can be really good! Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll never struggle to find a job. There is a crying need for sailors and seafarers in general. Especially in engineering! If your goal is to become a helmsman, the apprenticeship provides a good foundation for the academic studies at school.
Norled is now looking for new apprentices and Frydenlund has good advice for those considering applying here,
-If you want to become an apprentice at Norled, you need to be interested in the subject, show initiative and understand Norled’s task. “As a ferry employee, you are part of the incredibly important infrastructure in Norway. That’s why you have to be on time, be reliable and “offer yourself”. You also have to get up when the bell rings. The most important thing is to be on the ball and show that you want to learn!
The helmsman has already had an eventful career and worked on a number of communications around Norway, which he enjoys.
-“The best thing about the job is being able to see how we help to ‘run the country’. Without ferries, Norway would grind to a halt. As chief mate, I drive a lot of boats and it’s just as much fun every time!
Are you considering becoming an apprentice at Norled?
Read more here: Apprentice
