Teamwork: The Cornerstone of Good Work
Their camaraderie is undeniable. It's a necessity in this work environment, and it also seems to make their working days so much more enjoyable.
"We finish each other's sentences, as we often think alike," laughs Kajsa-Stina.
Jokes aside, teamwork is paramount. Both Mathilda and Kajsa-Stina are also health and safety representatives, and safety awareness is high at both the individual and departmental levels.
"We have zero tolerance for working alone in the electrical department. Two heads are better than one, and that's essential when it comes to electrical work. We help each other with both manual work, such as lifting, and problem-solving. This reduces the risk of accidents, and safety thinking is so ingrained here that it's rare that anything happens. And if, against all odds, something should happen, it's safer to be two."
Shift Work Provides Quality of Life – and Time in Nature
Both women were offered jobs at Boliden before they even graduated from high school. Now they work shifts that mean they have every third week off. Mathilda is a figure skating coach and enjoys knitting in her spare time. Kajsa-Stina rides snowmobiles, spends a lot of time with family, and loves to travel. Both of them spend a lot of time outdoors. Both seem to appreciate having a job that allows them to stay in their hometown, as well as the opportunity to develop and specialize in their profession without necessarily having to change location and employer.
"The job is not what I thought it would be – it's much more educational and varied. We work with big machines, get to drive both tractors and trucks, work with high voltage, wrestle with cables, and solve problems," says Kajsa-Stina.
It's clear that they enjoy their work – and it's also evident that they are dedicated and competent. However, there's no getting around the question of what it's like to be young women in a male-dominated industry. For these two, it doesn't seem to cause any problems; quite the contrary.
"Many outsiders think it's cool: 'Gosh, you work with that?' Of course, we've become used to it ourselves, and we've never felt like outsiders in the team. The comments we get are positive; many people think it improves the atmosphere when there are girls in the group," says Mathilda.
"Seize the Opportunities"
Do they recommend that others follow their path? Absolutely – and the duo has a clear message:
"Seize the opportunities that are available. Show interest, apply for summer jobs, make connections. The Boliden education specialisation offers great opportunities to get your foot in the door, even though ultimately it's your attitude that will determine whether you are offered a job. But to be able to get a lot of the benefits of employment while you're still in high school, in an industry where there's a real need for workers, it’s a truly fantastic opportunity," concludes Kajsa-Stina.
In the case of this duo, the result seems to be the right team in the right place - in an exciting job with a bright future.
