Christian helps our metal worker apprentices achieve top grades

”It’s fun to train our apprentices,” says Christian Nielsen, who over the past ten years has taught our metal worker apprentices the many techniques of the profession. Almost all apprentices receive a top grade in the apprenticeship test.

”I always start by getting all the parts ready and build up the task from there, so I know that things are in order and measured. This way you avoid running into unexpected problems along the way, which is smart if you want to solve the task properly. That’s what apprentices learn with us,” says Christian Nielsen, skilled metal worker at ODIN Engineering.

For the past ten years, Christian Nielsen has been responsible for our forging department. With his vast experience as a metal worker, he is the one who accompanies the metal worker apprentices for large parts of the apprenticeship. Good planning, precision and some simple rules of conduct are the key to the apprentices learning the trade.

”First of all, the apprentices must show up on time. I like that. And they must keep their workplace tidy. But otherwise, everyone is different, and I try to teach them everything within my knowledge and skills. It’s fun to teach,” says Christian Nielsen.

Metal worker apprentices get their own tasks after 14 days

Each apprenticeship starts with the apprentices being introduced to the tools in the forge, and then the three welding methods: TIG welding and two types of MAG welding with different welding wire thicknesses.

The tasks in the forge vary from a bracket, which can be made in an hour, to fairly large racks or bottom frames, which take several days to build. The first task for the apprentices is a small bracket.

”We get started nice and easy, and most apprentices can work a little on their own task after 14 days. I introduce the task and keep an eye on them – not too much – while they are working, so I can stop the process if they are a little off track. Then they don’t have to redo too much,” explains Christian Nielsen adding:

”We have a great deal of freedom to manage our working day ourselves, and that’s good.”

Metal worker apprentices work through all processes

The metal worker apprentices also spend time in other departments at ODIN Engineering. For example, they work together with the industrial technicians on the laser cutter and the bending machine, just as they work with the assembly department to set up new special machines, both in Denmark and abroad.
By spending time in several of ODIN’s departments, the metal worker apprentices can see for themselves that cooperation throughout the process pays off, and that it is useful to do the work precisely to begin with.

”There is a high level of professionalism in what we do. Especially with new tasks, I have a dialogue with the colleagues in the assembly department and ask what is easiest for them before I start, and our cooperation makes us stronger in the tasks. I’m very particular about things being properly ground before they leave the factory,” says Christian Nielsen.

Top grades make the skilled metal worker happy

Four out of five apprentices under Christian Nielsen have obtained the highest mark 12 in the apprentice test. It pleases the experienced metal worker to succeed in passing on the many techniques of the profession.

”I’m happy to see that what I’ve taught them is also working. They use what they have learned. I think they can see that when things are right, they don’t have to spend time on changes. With good preparation, they are helped well along,” says Christian Nielsen.

ODIN Engineering’s next metal worker apprentice has just started. After a one week internship and a conversation about expectations, an agreement was made that the apprentice could start after the summer holidays.

The apprenticeship work has a high priority at ODIN Engineering, both in-house and externally. Our CEO, Mads Rasmussen, is a member of several apprenticeship and training committees, just as our EA & HR manager, Britta Hvalsø Olsen, is also anchored in the local network More Skilled People, which aims to build a bridge between primary school and a vocational education and career. Furthermore, ODIN also receives visits from schools, school interns, gives lectures, company visits, etc. All to attract more people to take an education.