Construction 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 November 11. – We can already state that the installation Byggeplassen has been a success, especially among the youngest children. This is what the center's general manager, Erlend Fardal Lunde, says.

At the Construction Site, the kids play with yellow vests and helmets. Controlling the lifting of building blocks with a crane is exciting, but there are also many other things to do with a wheelbarrow and safe tools. The goal is for the children to get an impression of what happens behind the fences on a construction site, and to perform operations in teams and individually that create both an interest in building and a sense of mastery.

A recruitment initiative

– We believe this has a lot to do with regard to recruitment to the construction and civil engineering professions, says Asle Solvang, chairman of the board of directors of Byggopp Vestland. The gift from the training office's recruitment fund of 500,000 kroner has been crucial for the realization of Byggeplassen. In addition, Åsen & Øvrelid, who has been the general contractor for the stately science center, has given 300,000 kroner.

Learning programs every weekday

Erlend Fardal Lunde says that since the opening there have been at least two learning programs at ViteMeir on weekdays. 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.

– The experience so far is that this works well, and the collaboration with them employees in schools and kindergartens is good. There are many who want to visit us, which is a sign that ViteMeir "fills an important function. We have also had good visits from family on the 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 the business community, and be an arena for the generation of ideas between young people and these actors. ViteMeir is co-located with the national line for transport and logistics at Sogndal high school

Will follow the business

– ViteMeir has become a magnificent building, and we look forward to following 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 for a future in our industry at ViteMeir "We are happy," Solvang added.

Facts about Byggopp Vestland

Byggopp Vestland is one of the largest training offices in Vestland. The office is responsible for monitoring 485 apprentices, internship candidates and people following the vocational certificate on the job training program. Byggopp Vestland has 330 member companies and 11 employees at the offices in Bergen and Førde.

Contact person:

Asle Solvang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of 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