Knut Erik took his chemical engineering certificate exam in 1994. The offer of an apprenticeship - a combination of theory and practice - was made through the employment agency. The former apprentice remembers his job interview at Lilleborg as being a fairly long, demanding process.
"The people who carried out the interview asked a lot of detailed questions, so I was very happy when I was offered the place. Lilleborg paid for my schooling for approximately six months, then I did my practical apprenticeship at the detergent factory, where I had a 'sponsor'. The examination lasted two days and consisted of a theoretical and a practical part," relates Knut Erik.
"What types of practical tasks were you given?"
"I was asked to adjust a production line at the factory while examiners walked around me asking questions. They also introduced a fault into the line, which I was to discover the next day. On that day, I also had to run a production line at 80 per cent of normal capacity, and it went well," smiles Knut Erik.
"When were you offered a permanent job at Lilleborg?"
"Not long after I received my certificate, and I soon became line foreman. Three years ago, I helped to move the detergent factory from Sandaker in Oslo to Ski and became team foreman. Today I am deputy shift foreman.
"What do you think of the working environment at the factory?"
"It's unique. Everyone who starts working here praises the good atmosphere. Everyone knows everyone else and there are few conflicts. Lilleborg also invests a great deal in further education and training. I have attended courses in management, fire prevention and welding.
"What improvements could be made to the working environment?"
"It gets too hot here in summer, so the ventilation system should be improved. And there aren't enough staff. When someone is ill, the pressure of work is excessive," says Knut Erik.