Technology Seminar 2024 – From curiosity to career

Nearly 400 tenth-grade students gathered this November in Kongsberg for an inspiring day dedicated to technology and engineering. The annual Technology Seminar, hosted in collaboration with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Kongsberg Municipality, and local schools, offered students a unique, immersive experience designed to ignite curiosity and support them in making informed educational and career choices.

  • Text:Amanda Chapman-Stavn / KONGSBERG

This event has become a regional highlight, bringing young minds closer to the possibilities within technology and engineering. Designed to captivate and inspire, the Technology Seminar aimed to connect with young minds by blending excitement with practical insights into vocational and academic pathways.

Inspiring the next generation

The day kicked off with an appearance by the robot “Pepper”, immediately capturing students’ attention and setting an engaging tone for a programme that balanced technical sophistication with accessibility. The goal was to offer students a clear vision of what a career in technology looks like today—and what it could mean for their own futures—while ensuring they felt connected to the presenters and the real-life stories shared on stage.

"Our purpose is to support young people in making informed choices that truly fit them,” says Vidar Lande, Senior HR Advisor at Kongsberg.

"Even if a student leaves today’s seminar realizing that a career in technology isn’t for them, we still consider that a success. Our goal isn’t to push any specific path but to open their eyes to the diverse opportunities within science and technology. Whatever direction they ultimately choose, as long as it’s the right fit for them, we know we've made a positive impact."

Learning from experience

Aimed at inspiring students to explore paths that align with their unique interests and strengths, the Technology Seminar offered students the chance to connect with young apprentices from K-tech and recent graduates from KONGSBERG. These speakers shared personal insights into their career journeys, demonstrating how both vocational training and academic studies can open doors to exciting fields like engineering, robotics, and digital innovation.

Featuring captivating displays of advanced technology, the programme sparked students’ imaginations with live demonstrations that highlighted the industry’s vast possibilities. Students were amazed as the team from Revolve NTNU presented their Formula car—an engineering achievement capable of reaching 100 km/h in just two seconds. USN Horizon then delved into the complexities of rocket technology, sharing the thrill of breaking the sound barrier at an astonishing 1,800 km/h during recent competitions.

Building future talent

Emphasising more than just the excitement of technology, the seminar underscored the broad range of skills and competencies needed at a company like KONGSBERG—from technical expertise to research, project management, and innovative problem-solving. Students also gained insight into what KONGSBERG seeks in future talent, with a focus on qualities such as curiosity, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Lande shared his satisfaction:

“This year’s Technology Seminar was exceptional. The preparation, the quality of the presentations, and the energy in the room made it one of our best events yet.”

“We’re proud to continue this tradition each year, helping young people discover and explore the many paths available to them in technology.”

Kongsberg’s Technology Seminar continues to be a key event in the region, providing students with inspiration and practical guidance to help shape their educational and career paths.

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