Byggopp Vestland, press release 10.12.2021

The construction site at ViteMeir at Kaupanger in Sogndal has been a success (Photo: Knut-Hendrik Lajord, VeriMedia)

- The construction site has been a success.

The new science center ViteMeir at Kaupanger in Sogndal opened its doors on 11 November. "We can already see that the Byggeplassen installation has been a success, especially among the youngest children. Says Erlend Fardal Lunde, day-to-day manager of the center.

At the construction site, kids play with yellow vests and helmets. Controlling the lifting of building blocks with an overhead crane is exciting, but there's also a lot more to do with wheelbarrows and harmless tools. The aim is for the children to get an impression of what happens behind the fences at a construction site, and to carry out operations in teams and individually that create both an interest in building and a sense of mastery.

A measure for recruitment

- We believe this has a lot to offer in terms of recruitment to the building and construction trades," says Asle Solvang, chairman of Byggopp Vestland. The gift of NOK 500,000 from the training office's recruitment fund has been crucial to the realization of Byggeplassen. In addition, Åsen & Øvrelid, the turnkey contractor for the magnificent science center, has donated NOK 300,000.

Learning programs every day

Erlend Fardal Lunde says that since the opening, there have been at least two learning programs at ViteMeir every day. Kindergarten children and school classes from 1st to 10th grade follow an age-appropriate program that takes them through the installations. It takes up to three hours, including a lunch break.

- Our experience so far is that this is working well, and cooperation with staff in schools and kindergartens is good. "A lot of people want to visit us, which is a sign that ViteMeir fulfills an important function. We've also had good visits from families at weekends," he adds.

One of 13 science centers

ViteMeir is one of 13 science centers in the country. The establishment at Kaupanger in Sogndal is geographically complementary to the others. The center will provide good synergies with research and educational institutions, public agencies and business, and be an arena for brainstorming between young people and these actors. ViteMeir is co-located with the national line for transport and logistics at Sogndal vgs.

Will follow the business

- ViteMeir has been a magnificent building, and we look forward to keeping up with everything that will happen at the center," says the chairman of Byggopp Vestland. "If any of tomorrow's skilled workers and construction engineers can say that they were inspired to a future in our industry at ViteMeir, we will be happy," adds Solvang.

Facts about Byggopp Vestland

Byggopp Vestland is one of the largest training offices in Western Norway. The office is responsible for the fulfilment of 485 apprentices, internship candidates and people who follow the education program Fagbrev på jobb. Byggopp Vestland has 330 members and 11 employees at the offices in Bergen and Førde.

Contact persons:

Asle Solvang, Board member Byggopp Vestland Tel. 918 65 539

Håkon Svoen, department manager Byggopp Vestland, area North Tel. 975 86 667

Hans Martin Moxnes, Director EBA Vestenfjelske Tel. 934 54 200