From a young age, Trond was fascinated by how electronics and machines worked, much like Disney’s inventor “Gyro Gearloose.” This curiosity led him to the College of Engineering in Narvik, where he earned degrees in first electronic and later technical engineering.
A Career of Continuous Learning
Trond’s quest for knowledge extended into his professional life, spanning 17 years at Tandberg Data AS in both technical and management roles, followed by his own consultancy. His guiding principle has always been “leading by doing,” whether tackling complex projects or simply emptying the office dishwasher.
Decades of Dedication to NITO
Trond joined NITO as a student in 1985, initially drawn by the member magazine “Teknisk Ukeblad Magasin” for its job advertisements. His first job as a quality engineer at Tandberg Data AS introduced him to the value of trade unions. Over the years, he became a shop steward, and later an employee representative. Trond was elected to the association’s executive board in 1998, before being elected vice president in 2003 and president in 2012. Under his leadership, NITO’s membership grew from 74,000 to over 111,000, enhancing the visibility of engineers in Norwegian society.
Balancing Life and Leadership
When asked how he balances his demanding role with his personal life, Trond admits that being NITO’s president is almost a 24/7 job. Yet, he finds time to disengage and recharge by setting aside specific moments for himself. He values teamwork and trusts his colleagues to take ownership of their tasks, recognizing that the best results come from diverse teams working together.
Sometimes, the role can feel lonely, but having an external advisor to bounce ideas off has been invaluable for Trond.
Strengthening the Nordic Engineering Community
Elected president of ANE in 2016, Trond aimed to strengthen the collective voice of Nordic engineers. He believes in the power of collaboration, stating, “Together we are stronger, and we can save time, resources, and money by sharing knowledge and working together on common projects.” During his tenure, ANE welcomed VFI, the Icelandic engineers, in 2018, and Engineers Finland in 2020, achieving the goal of uniting all Nordic countries under ANE.
Addressing STEM Skill Shortages
Trond sees immense opportunities for ANE and Nordic engineers in driving the green and digital transitions. He emphasizes the need to attract more young people, especially girls and women, to STEM fields. “Engineering is all about people. Engineers solve real problems for real people and help make the world a better place,” he says.
Advice for the Next Generation
His advice to young people is to pursue an engineering education and embrace the evolving nature of work. “Your future job may be different from what you imagined, but that’s part of the journey,” he adds.
Future Plans
As he steps down, Trond looks forward to having more free time. He loves photography and reading and plans to indulge in these hobbies more. Travelling is another passion, and he hopes to explore new places more leisurely now.
One thing is certain: his curiosity will continue to guide him.