“There is a lot that goes into the perfect weld,” says Hugo, who has just finished his first year at Båstad Academy studying and training to become a welder. As part of his training, he has spent two days a week at Marco this last year. Next year it will be three days a week and during his last year of studies, most likely four days a week. “There cannot be any pores in the welding point, for example. You see them as small cavities in the solder point, almost as if you are looking at a hollow cheese. Each cavity impairs the strength, which in turn affects the lifespan of the product. And in this case, since we are talking about lift tables, the intention is for them to last a very long time, both for safety reasons and for the environment.” Hugo explains.
What follows is an interview with Hugo detailing his work experience training at VPG and a comment from Hugo’s supervisor Jimmy Sjöstrand.
Hugo, thank you so much for sharing your experiences and learnings so generously – To start off, what made you want to become a welder?
Hugo: I just thought it seemed to be such a cool environment and I liked the idea of steel, flames and welding in general. I was pulled in. I chose to study at Båstad Academy because of the mix of theory and practice and my work experience training so far, at Marco, has been truly great. It’s fun to work with your hands and here I get to experience what it’s really like to be in this profession. I now realize how much there is to learn in the field. For that reason, I look very closely at all the welds I see. My goal is that I want to be able to tell who here welded what just by looking at the weld. I know that those who have worked for a long time can decide who has performed a weld just by looking at the soldering point and I also want to be able to do that!
You seem like such a clever young man with a plan! So apart from what you have mentioned, what have you learned from your time spent at Marco?
Hugo: Well, it’s hard to summarize the experience and everything I’ve learned so far, simply because it’s a lot. What I can say is that it really has made me more confident in my choice of studies and profession. I really enjoy working with my hands and learning from all the skilled employees here at Marco. Many have been here for a long time and know all the secrets to welding, how to create products that last a long time and are safe. I pick up more and more each day but at the same time I realize how much there is left to learn.
It very much sounds like you have it mostly figured out – Well done Hugo and keep it up! Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?
Hugo: Just that I’m very thankful for my experience at VPG. It’s perfect for me as I actually get paid for my internship. And I have a summer job lined up. For someone at my age that means a lot. Also, the future looks very bright in terms of job opportunities. I would wholeheartedly recommend Båstad Academy and VPG to anyone. With that said, now it’s time for me to return to my workstation.
Fantastic! Thank you so much Hugo.
Hugo: Thank you too!
Hugo’s supervisor is Jimmy Sjöstrand, who has worked as a welder for many years and is now responsible for an entire department.
“It’s so much fun and very inspiring to see the future right next to you. I am so incredibly impressed by how much a young man like Hugo can contribute even though he’s still in school. Not only through his knowledge of welding but also by sharing his passion and dedication to learn and improve. And, simply as a super nice guy who fits right into the group. We are incredibly happy and satisfied to have Hugo with us here at VPG,” Jimmy says proudly.
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