From apprentice to project manager for multi-million Projects

The apprenticeship system has its roots in the guild system, with a history spanning several centuries. Over the years, the education system has changed but remains in certain craft professions. Today, it is a school-based vocational education that combines theory in school with a placement at a workplace. Niklas Bäckdahl at the Instalco company Ohmegi Elektro has gone all the way from apprentice to project manager with responsibility for projects in the multi-million range.

Niklas Bäckdahl credits his professional growth as an electrician to an employer who has always shown him trust and given him the space to evolve. As soon as Niklas had completed his mandatory 1,600 apprentice hours, which took just over a year to accumulate, he was asked if he wanted to manage small-scale projects.

"The trust I was given then has been decisive for my development," he says.

As a leading actor in the installation industry, Instalco has a great social responsibility. One way to fulfill that responsibility is the apprentice programme that the Group operates. Working with apprentices is also a way to secure the long-term supply of skilled employees.

After 27 years at Ohmegi, which has been part of Instalco since 2016, Niklas has gone all the way – from apprentice, to fitter and lead fitter, and finally to project manager. Even as a lead fitter, he received early respons ibility for larger contracts with up to 45 fitters and order values in the SEK 70–80 million range.

"Ever since I played hockey and football, I have had leadership roles. In my professional role, I ensure that the fitters enjoy their work and are forged together into a team."

Training provides confidence

Niklas has been given free rein by Ohmegi’s CEO, Johan Brodin, when it comes to bringing together the teams that will collaborate.

"For me, leadership is about building functioning teams, creating well-being and making people grow. That’s what drives me and is why I stay with the company."

Training is also an important part of the journey. Within Instalco, Niklas has completed several project manager training courses with a focus on practical elements, role-play and the exchange of experience between different companies and disciplines.

"In the training courses, participants test different roles and exchange experiences with each other. This provides confidence and good conditions for mature leadership."

Niklas feels that he has had a taste of all parts of the industry during his time as an apprentice and as a project manager. Today, Niklas is responsible for three major projects with durations of up to three years. Workdays start early, often at six o’clock, with planning, schedules, design, orders and coordination. This provides the fitters with the right documentation at the right time on-site.

Good future prospects in the industry

In the future, he would like to have a leading role within Instalco or elsewhere in the industry.

"It is still technically fun and so many exciting things are happening in the industry. Being involved and helping customers with their various needs is also a driving force. That gives me confirmation that what we do is something they appreciate."

When asked what he wants to say to today’s apprentices, the answer is clear:

"Show interest, take responsibility, arrive on time and ask if you don’t understand. If you are motivated, you can go very far in this industry."