From the left: Oliver Tomasbråten Lund, Roska Linnea Børæy, Kevin Sivertsen, Oliver Dobrowolski
At Mantena, we have a long tradition of developing skilled workers. Trains do not maintain themselves – it is skilled professionals with solid expertise and practical experience who do that. That is why apprentices are an important part of our future and something we ourselves must take responsibility for.
Today we have four apprentices at our workshop in Grorud, and interest is greater than ever. This is very positive at a time when Norway needs more young people to choose vocational subjects and obtain trade certificates.
Industrial Mechanic
Oliver, Oliver, and Kevin started on September 1, 2025, and all work in the field of industrial mechanics. An industrial mechanic works with mechanical systems, machines, equipment, and production lines—everything from assembly and repair to testing and troubleshooting. At Mantena, this means that apprentices get hands-on experience with trains and components, advanced machinery, drive systems, and various parts of rolling stock.
This field suits young people who like to work practically, are curious about how things work, and who want a career with great development opportunities. Industrial mechanics are in demand in the labor market, and at Mantena, this expertise is crucial for trains in Norway and Sweden to run safely and punctually every day.
The best thing about being an apprentice at Mantena is that we get to try so many different things. I learn something new every week. It is a safe environment to be new in, and colleagues explain and show me things until I can do it myself. Right now, I am in the wheel department and get to work closely with bogies, wheelsets, and components that are absolutely essential for train safety.
Oliver Lund
CNC Machine Operator
In addition, we have Linnea with us. She is an apprentice in the CNC machine operator profession. She is in her second year and will take her trade examination this summer. The CNC machine operator field involves programming, setting up, and operating computer-controlled machines that turn, mill, or process metal components with very high precision. A CNC machine operator apprentice learns to read technical drawings, select the right tools and cutting data, perform measurements, and ensure production meets exact tolerance requirements.
At Mantena, apprentices work with components that will later be used in critical rolling stock—be it axle journals and bolts or other parts included in bogies, drive systems, or safety-related assemblies. This requires precision, an understanding of mechanical engineering, and the ability to follow quality assurance procedures.
Now I am working in CPC, and here I really get to understand how important precision is. We work with individual components that must function perfectly before they are put back into the trains, and I am learning a lot about measurement, testing, and quality assurance. It is challenging, but also very motivating.
Roska Linnea Børæy
Good Collaboration with the Schools
Apprenticeship supervisor Yassin Rafiq, who has worked at Mantena since 1996, follows up closely with each individual apprentice.
The goal is for the apprentices to spend time in each of our departments during the first year. They should get an overall picture of how we work, learn to operate several types of machines and tasks, and understand the entire value chain in train maintenance, explains Yassin. This rotation ensures that apprentices become both confident, versatile, and better prepared for the trade examination.
Mantena has a close partnership with several schools. Today’s apprentices come from Strømmen, Rud, and Sørumsand upper secondary schools. Several of today’s apprentices had placements with us earlier during their schooling, which makes transitioning to apprenticeship both natural and safe.
We have a great need for skilled workers, both now and in the future. Apprentices who demonstrate ability and willingness are highly attractive to us. In addition, the apprentices contribute with engagement, curiosity, and new perspectives. It is a win-win situation for us.
Yassin Raqif
Good Collaboration with the Training Office
Mantena has a close and productive partnership with the Training Office for Mechanical Trades, located at Sørumsand Upper Secondary School in Lillestrøm municipality. Here, among others, Asle Muren works, who follows up all our four apprentices. The apprentices have scheduled follow-up meetings every fifth week from the start and all the way until the trade examination. This ensures systematic progress, proper documentation, and ongoing dialogue between the apprentice, the company, and the training office.
Mantena is a training company that truly takes its training responsibilities seriously. The apprentices receive varied work tasks, close supervision, and a professional environment that aims to help them develop.
Asle Muren
We Need More People Who Choose a Trade Certificate
The trade certificate is an important entry point into the industry. As a sector, we depend on young people choosing vocational education. Norway has an increasing need for people who can connect, assemble, troubleshoot, mount, analyze, and repair. For Mantena, this is about ensuring competence for the decades to come and offering young people a solid, secure pathway into working life.
