Seven Norwegian apprentices from Håndverksgruppen packed their toolboxes and traveled to Denmark at the beginning of 2026. Over a period of three months, they took part in an intensive and educational exchange program, where new techniques, materials, and working methods were on the agenda – all adapted to Norwegian curricula.
The apprentices come from various HG companies and represent the different trades of painting, flooring, and masonry. The exchange program is organized by 'Opplæringskontoret' in Telemark, Norway, in collaboration with the Danish vocational schools Techcollege Aalborg and Mercantec Viborg, where the teaching took place.
“A perfect way to finish my apprenticeship”
For the painting apprentices, the stay included both theoretical and practical training in tasks such as wallpapering, wrapping, and color theory, as well as flooring techniques like wet rooms and pattern adaptation.
The masonry apprentices gained experience in bricklaying, various bonds, angles, and tiling – both in the classroom and in workshops. They were able to test techniques and tasks under conditions similar to the final exam and improve planning, precision, and professional understanding.
For masonry apprentice Asgeir Thor Asgeirsson (on the right in the top picture) from Dokken & Moen Murmesterforretning AS in Lillehammer, the stay has been particularly rewarding:
– It has been fantastic to work on tasks closely related to the trade exam. I’ve been able to test myself, plan and execute my own jobs – while theory has given me a better understanding of what I’m doing. It has truly boosted my confidence and calmness heading into the end of my apprenticeship. For me, this has been the perfect way to finish, he says.
An experience that leaves a mark
For all seven HG apprentices, the stay provided a solid professional boost, valuable experience, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience they can build on.
At the same time, the exchange shows what it means to be part of Håndverksgruppen: Here, the path from idea to action is short when apprentices try new tasks and develop, even across borders.
– It is partly thanks to Håndverksgruppen’s size that we can offer special opportunities like this abroad stay. When apprentices show interest, we help apply for Erasmus grants and leverage our connections to vocational schools in different countries. We can also welcome apprentices from other countries, and we are always looking for new partners, says Jorid Solem, HR and recruitment manager for Håndverksgruppen in Region 'Midt' in Norway (center in the picture).
Marianne Hoel Twiddy, recruitment manager for Håndverksgruppen in Region 'Innlandet' in Norway (right in the picture), adds:
– Soon, a Norwegian HG company will welcome a student from Sweden. It’s about giving apprentices experiences and development. It requires that we ourselves are open and positive to hosting.
– When apprentices get the opportunity to work abroad and try new environments, something special happens. In addition to many new techniques and tools, this stay has created strong camaraderie, new friendships, and a solid network that stretches across companies and regions. In Innlandet, apprentices have already asked to join the same program next year, because they’ve heard so many positive things about it this year.
Transnational bonds in Håndverksgruppen
The strong cohesion in Håndverksgruppen was evident from day one. When the Norwegian apprentices arrived in Denmark, several of them were missing luggage from the flight, including necessary work clothes and safety shoes.
Lars Jeppesen, regional manager for Region West in Denmark, quickly acted with a clear “we’ll fix it!”. He ensured staff were sent to the school to provide temporary work clothes and safety shoes, so the apprentices could start the tasks without delay.
– It was truly amazing to experience how people step up across borders and regions to help the apprentices, says Jorid Solem.
Do YOU want to become an apprentice in Håndverksgruppen?
Do you dream of a career with full pay, professional development, and a clear path to permanent employment? In Håndverksgruppen, you become part of a professional community where quality, collaboration, and pride in the craft go hand in hand.
See your opportunities here: https://jobb.handverksgruppen.com/pages/laerling-i-handverksgruppen
Apprentices from the exchange stay in Denmark, including the following seven from HG companies: Simen Hegglund and Viktoria Bauge from Sverresborg Malerservice, Nemine Karlsen and Rebekka Hansen from Malermester Sture Brækstad, and Ayub Saleh from Rosenborg Malerteam.
