Fearless electrician leads improvement work at AF

– I heard about the vacant position at AF through a colleague. The job advertisement stated that a bachelor's degree was required, but I saw that the tasks would suit me very well, so I took a chance and applied.

Katrine Elise Tomtum grew up near AF Gruppen's headquarters in Teisen. She earned a trade certificate as an electrician, inspired by her older brother who was already in the field. Later, she studied HSE at AOF Technical School. In 2017, she saw a position in AF Gruppen's construction division.

– My first assignment at AF Anlegg was tunnel rehabilitation in Ålesund. Tunnels are a lot of fun! I had experience with tunnels as an electrician, but it was on a different scale and in a different role. Now, I was going to work as a project engineer. It was a steep learning curve, but I had a fantastic mentor who took great care of me.

After three tunnel rehabilitation assignments in Sunnmøre, Katrine sought a position in Oslo in 2019 to reduce commuting. She began as an HSE engineer at JR Anlegg, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AF Anlegg, and was soon offered the role of HSE/QA manager, overseeing disciplines across projects and at a higher level within the company. She attributes receiving the role to her willingness to take on more challenging tasks.

– It is important to be proactive at AF. Individuals should actively seek out opportunities and articulate their needs. I find that women, in particular, may face challenges in this regard. I often encourage women at AF to assert themselves and engage more confidently in professional settings.

Led JR Anlegg to ISO Certification

In autumn 2021, JR Anlegg began an improvement process and created a business strategy. Katrine joined to lead the company towards ISO certification, handling system development and organizational changes. The company's growth plans required hiring and developing resources in her areas of expertise. Over the past two years, she has supervised several employees and has taken on HSE and quality responsibilities as well as supporting line management.

– We are a great team that works closely together. The general manager of JR Anlegg, Jon Arve Rognerud, has high ambitions and shares many of the same dreams for the company as I do. If we are to be the best, we must develop ourselves.

At the coffee machine at Helsfyr, we encounter Olaf Lingjærde, the HSE/QA Manager at AF Anlegg. Katrine has relied on him both as a mentor and sparring partner. It was Olaf who hired Katrine in 2017.

 – Katrine, a hockey player from east Oslo with strong opinions, has shown remarkable drive and achieved great results. She led JR through ISO certification and established an effective management system. She is respected by both the team and management.

Katrine believes that the essence of quality work is to do it right the first time.

 – It is generally more efficient to advance when there is a clear understanding of our direction, Katrine replies.

Katrine is currently managing several artificial turf fields under a framework agreement for the Agency for Urban Environment. She is also overseeing a major road construction project on the E6 with new on-ramps towards Gardermoen, and initiating work on Ring 1, where JR has a contract for lowering the Hammersborg Tunnel in Oslo.

She enjoys the excitement and challenge of working in production teams. Additionally, she is motivated by the defined timeline of construction projects.

– There is a beginning and a conclusion, and I derive significant satisfaction from successfully delivering a completed product.

At the coffee corner at Helsfyr, Olaf mentions Katrine's determination and her ability to communicate across various levels in the organization. He also notes that she is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in construction and project management at the Vocational College in Gjøvik on her own initiative.

– What is remarkable about Katrine studying on the side is that anyone who has been with AF for more than a quarter knows that this quarter is very rare, except on weekends. That you manage to accomplish this, I find touching, Olaf says.

– More assignments now require higher formal competence. As a result, I have decided to enhance my skills for the benefit of the company and myself. This leadership study is particularly motivating, says Katrine.

*This article was first published in Norwegian October 31st 2024