Beerenberg made a strong showing this year – with two candidates competing for the title of Norway’s best insulator. Jessica Holsen and Aurelia Parafianowicz, both insulation apprentices working at Mongstad, were in their first year of apprenticeship.
Testing own skills
For Aurelia, participating was primarily about testing her own skills.
“I’ve always enjoyed creating and shaping things. After a year studying drawing, design, and architecture, I switched to climate, energy, and environmental technology. During my second year, I was placed at Mongstad, where I got to explore my creativity through the insulation trade. After finishing school, I was offered an apprenticeship, and I really liked it,” she said.
“Taking part in the championship was challenging, both physically and mentally – but most of all, it was fun to measure myself and what I’d learned.”
Aurelia Parafianowicz
Photo: Beerenberg
Saying yes to opportunities
Jessica Holsen also shared her thoughts on the experience:
“My path into this profession started with a trial period through NAV. I worked hard to prove I was a good fit as an insulator at Beerenberg, and eventually I got the opportunity to become part of the team. As for my motivation to take part in the championship, it really came down to a personal decision I had made – to say yes to more opportunities. So when the offer came, I had already made up my mind – the answer was yes!
Deep concentration, Jessica Holsen
Photo: Beerenberg
Important support
Joining them was instructor and operator Rafal Zurowski, who, with 18 years of experience in the trade, provided support for the Beerenberg participants.
“There wasn’t much I could do during the actual competition. I could show them the right equipment, but not guide them through the execution. My role was mainly to provide mental support,” he says with a smile.
Coach and motivator, Rafal Zurowski
Photo: Beerenberg