From certificate to family business - Robin returns home to Farsund

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you have studied or had an apprenticeship in?

- In Farsund, I took VG2 in electrical engineering, and when I was 18, I moved to Stavanger to take VG2 in refrigeration and heat pump technology. After three years in Stavanger, I had my trade licence and worked as a fitter/service technician for the first year.

- Then I met my wife, who was going to study at NTNU in Trondheim. I quit my job and we moved to Trondheim together. There I took a two-year programme in refrigeration and heat pump technology at Trondheim Technical College. The first year was as a refrigeration engineer, and the second year laid the foundation for a master's certificate and engineering qualifications.

- After our studies, we moved to Lyngdal for three years, when my wife changed her place of study from NTNU to UIA. In 2021, we moved to Farsund, where she, originally from Flekkerøy in Kristiansand, joined the move. I started working in the family business, as it had always been planned.

What made you choose Farsund Municipality again?

- It was always the plan to come back and help develop the family business, and eventually take it over. In 2025, I will take over half of the ownership share, having been employed by the company since 2018.

Did you have any concerns before the move?

- "The biggest concern was whether my wife would want to join us. But taking over the family business proved decisive, and today we are both very happy that we moved back.

As a young adult, how do you feel about work and career opportunities in Farsund?

- I think that with most educations there are good job opportunities here. My wife is a bioengineer, but she has nevertheless found relevant jobs and now works as a quality manager for ALLOC in Lyngdal.

What do you appreciate most about living here?

- "I'm very fond of Farsund - the people, the nature and the whole area. This is my home, and there's nowhere else in Norway I'd rather live. My wife is also very happy here. We've settled in Krågenes. It feels like living in the countryside, but it's still very central if you want to do something or take a trip to the city. I myself grew up between Vanse and the centre of Farsund.

How do you experience the social life and leisure opportunities for young people?

- There are many activities for families with children. We have a busy family life, but we see that engagement in the municipality is increasing. New meeting points and offers are constantly being established, making it easier to socialise and participate in leisure activities.

What has it been like to establish yourself in terms of housing, networks and well-being?

- Although I kept in touch with the network in Farsund when I lived away, it was limited. After the move, we got back in touch, and my wife also gained a network through my friends and their families. In addition, we've made new friends who fit in well with our life situation.

What would you say to other young people who are considering moving back to Farsund?

- Don't rule it out. There are lots of opportunities here, and there's plenty to do. When you get older and want to start a family, it's hard to find a better place than Farsund. My advice is: move out, study and live life - but when you're settling down and your children are growing up, Farsund is a fantastic place to live.

What advantages do you think you get here that you might not get in larger cities?

- More freedom and peace in nature. It's easy to feel at home, and the sense of community with people who share your values is strong. You meet people you know more often, and it can be easier to make new friends here than in a big city.

What do you dream of achieving in Farsund?

- The aim is to develop a solid and reliable company for the future and create jobs in the municipality. "We have a three-year-old boy and a second one on the way, so living in Farsund municipality is perfect for us.

Robin's story shows that moving back to Farsund can provide both exciting career opportunities and a high quality of life. Here there is room to invest - while enjoying proximity, security and an inclusive local community.

Lindvirke thanks you for the chat and wishes the young family good luck and all the best for the future!