Meet our summer interns
Each summer, as part of the summer internship program in VARD, Vard Electro welcomes a new group of summer interns who are given the opportunity to contribute to real shipbuilding projects while learning from experienced engineers and specialists. This way students are given valuable hands-on experience in a global and highly innovative industry.
15. August 2025
Internship with the SeaQ NavCom team
Jørgen, 24, has a strong connection to Vard Electro. He worked as an apprentice at Vard Electro’s switchboard workshop in Tennfjord while completing a combined academic and vocational program in high school. Later he served in the Norwegian Navy as an electrician and motorman. He is now entering his fourth year of a five-year Master’s program in Computer Science at NTNU Trondheim — and has already signed a full-time position with Vard Electro.
- What made you apply for a summer internship at Vard Electro?
My connection to Vard Electro goes back to my days as an apprentice, where I worked hands-on with SeaQ Bridge and SeaQ Integrated Automation System. I really enjoyed the variety and the people I worked with, so coming back for a summer internship felt natural. I also had experience from the navy in the ship’s technical department – that gave me a broader understanding of onboard systems. - What kind of projects and tasks have you been working on this summer?
I have been part of the NavCom engineering team, working on different types of vessels – SOVs, cruise ships, and cable layers. Most of my work has involved making detailed connection drawings, cable lists, and system topologies. We tailor each solution to the customer’s needs, making sure all systems are integrated and meet class requirements. I have also been involved in testing, visited vessels at the yard, and used the showroom and lab here in Tennfjord to better understand the full scope of the systems.
There are so many different roles here, so whether you are into engineering, logistics or finance – there is something for you. And for me personally, it has been a great way to build my future
Jørgen André Balseth
- What has challenged or surprised you the most during your time here?
I already knew the company quite well, but I was still impressed by how skilled and eager everyone in the NavCom team is to share their knowledge. Following a SeaQ Bridge project from the engineering phase to installation gave me a new perspective. What challenged me most was getting an overview of all the drawings, manuals, systems, and class requirements — and making sure everything fits together technically. It gave me a strong appreciation for how important accuracy is in this line of work. - What have you learned – professionally and personally?
I have gained a much better understanding of system integration, class requirements, and the importance of collaboration. Working with experienced colleagues showed me how we all contribute to the same goal, and how important it is to share knowledge. Personally, I have learned to ask questions, stay curious, and not give up when things get complex. - What is your biggest takeaway from the internship, and would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely! You get insight into real maritime projects, and the work environment is great. I felt welcome from day one. There are so many different roles here, so whether you are into engineering, logistics or finance – there is something for you. And for me personally, it has been a great way to build my future – I have already signed a full-time contract!
Internship with the SeaQ Power team
Fredrik, 26, joined Vard Electro this summer after completing his second year of Renewable Energy Bachelors at NTNU Aalesund, with a background as a certified electrician — including four years of field work after finishing his apprenticeship with Tussa Installation - he chose to return to school to deepen his knowledge of energy systems and power electronics.
- What made you apply for a summer internship at Vard Electro?
My lecturer in electrotechnics at NTNU— who also works at Vard Electro — encouraged me to apply, and I am glad I did. During my four years at Tussa, it included a period where I was hired out to Vard Electro to work on the Ocean Infinity vessels. That experience gave me a real taste of the maritime industry and sparked my interest in going deeper. I wanted to build on that practical background with a stronger academic foundation – and this internship was the perfect way to combine both. - What kind of projects and tasks have you been working on this summer?
My role has been focused on testing and learning how to use advanced measurement instruments to ensure power quality onboard. I created user guides for electricians, performed measurements on real vessels, and then analyzed the data using programming and math tools. I also wrote reports based on the results. I have worked quite independently, but always had support from the engineers when I needed it — which was really motivating.
I definitely see myself working in this field. My advice to other students, don’t hesitate — you will get to work on relevant, and challenging tasks in a fantastic work environment.
Fredrik Brandal
- What has challenged or surprised you the most during your time here?
The complexity of the energy systems onboard really surprised me. There are so many components that must interact perfectly. Understanding how power responds in different operating modes — and interpreting that data correctly — was a real challenge. It is one thing to understand the theory, but applying it practically is something else entirely. - What have you learned – professionally and personally?
I have learned a lot about power electronics and how to handle measurement data. It gave me insight into how theory from school connects directly to practical shipboard applications. Personally, I have grown more confident in taking ownership of tasks and solving problems on my own — but also knowing when to reach out for guidance. - What is your biggest takeaway from the internship, and would you recommend it to others?
I have realized that maritime technology is a future-focused industry, with increasing complexity and growing need for engineers who understand energy systems. I definitely see myself working in this field. My advice to other students: don’t hesitate — you will get to work on relevant, and challenging tasks in a fantastic work environment.
