A springboard into the industry
Wallenius Marine offers trainee positions through the Lighthouse trainee program, as we see it as an important initiative to attract more young people to the maritime industry. By participating in the Lighthouse trainee program, we have a great opportunity to showcase the innovation driving the industry forward and highlight shipping as an exciting workplace with a promising future.
Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Isak Tidala as a trainee with us. For the past three months, he has been at Wallenius Marine. Isak has always had a strong interest in the sea and shipping. When it was time for his studies, he decided to combine his passion with education and a future career. He recently graduated from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) with a Master of Science in Engineering, holding a bachelor’s degree in Design and Product Development and a master’s in Naval Architecture.
“Before graduating, I applied to the Lighthouse trainee program and was accepted. It is a one-year program at the Swedish Maritime Competence Centre, where master’s students and recent graduates get to work with different employers within the shipping industry. Last fall, I was at the Swedish Maritime Administration, and now I am here at Wallenius Marine,” says Isak Tidala.
As part of the program, trainees get to experience various roles and tasks within the maritime industry.
“It provides a broad perspective on shipping and what the role of a Naval Architect entails. I get the chance to explore which areas and companies I find most exciting while gaining a wealth of knowledge from all my colleagues.”
Isak Tidala had the opportunity to choose four employers to work with during the program, and selecting Wallenius Marine was an easy decision.
“Wallenius Marine are seen as pioneers in the shipping industry, driving innovation forward, particularly in wing sails and other cutting-edge solutions to save fuel. It’s exciting to be a part of that.”
During his three months at Wallenius Marine, he has worked on a variety of projects across different areas. Among other things, he has designed a 3D model in Delftship and developed a user interface to calculate efficient fuel consumption for different vessels. One of the most memorable experiences was his time aboard the car carrier Nabucco.
“I traveled from Bremerhaven in Germany to Southampton in southern England. It was an incredible experience to be on board Nabucco. Seeing the things I work on in the office come to life in the real world has given me a new perspective of my future work in design.”
Isak Tidala describes his time at Wallenius Marine as highly rewarding and especially appreciates his colleagues.
“Everyone has been very welcoming and eager for me to experience as much as possible. They genuinely want to share their knowledge and ideas. It’s a culture of innovation where everyone is encouraged to contribute.”
In March, he will move on to a new employer, and before the program ends, Isak Tidala will get to experience work life at Alfa Laval and Oceanbird in Tumba, as well as Saab Kockums in Malmö.
“Students in Naval Architecture should definitely apply to this trainee program. It’s a great springboard into the industry and an exciting and rewarding way to explore different workplaces,” says Isak Tidala.
The Lighthouse Trainee Programme is a unique initiative in the maritime industry, designed to provide newly graduated engineers and economists with a broad and in-depth understanding of the sector. The program is run in collaboration with Wallenius Marine and other leading companies and organizations, offering trainees the opportunity to work with multiple industry players over the course of a year. By combining hands-on experience with education, participants gain valuable insights into innovation, sustainability challenges, and future opportunities within the maritime industry.
