If we want to get young people home, businesses must dare to invest
Per Fredrick (25) moved home after an internship at Flekkefjord Sparebank
Photo: Per Fredrick Thorsen
For Per Fredrick Thorsen, it was perhaps never a question of whether he would move home to Flekkefjord again, but rather when. Today, the 25-year-old works as marketing coordinator at Flekkefjord Sparebank – an opportunity he got through the bank's Summer Internship programme.
A job with meaning
Per Fredrick describes his working day as both varied and meaningful. As marketing coordinator, he works with marketing, sponsorship agreements and social responsibility – close to the local community.
He started with an internship in the summer of 2024, continued in a project position and later received an offer for a permanent job. For him, it's not just about career – but also about being able to have a good balance between work, leisure and life in general.
I'm very grateful for the people I work with, and the opportunities I've been given. It means a lot to work so closely with the bank's business idea of creating good and vibrant local communities, and at the same time be part of the development in our region.
Per Fredrick Thorsen
Small-town life with short distances
Today he lives in Rauli, with a short distance to work, nature and the sea.
– It suits me perfectly, he says.
It's precisely the proximity that's highlighted as one of the best things about small-town life.
– The people, the family and nature mean a lot. There's also something very special about the sea and boat life – you don't get that feeling many other places.
When spring and summer arrive, the days are well spent. Per Fredrick trains almost daily at Atleten Treningssenter and plays football for Bakke IF. In addition, much time is spent at the family cabin out on Lille Olsøy.
– The boat life and the fantastic fjord get used a lot. I often start the day with a boat trip to work in the summer.
Important to use the town
Although Flekkefjord is a small town, he believes the offerings have steadily improved – especially in the summer months.
– I think I've made use of most of it, and I think it's very important to use the local offerings we have. If we don't support local businesses, they'll eventually disappear too.
He highlights new initiatives and people who dare to invest.
– The new cocktail bar 'Hos Åkke' is a good example of that. In addition, I really appreciate all the hiking areas around town, the wharf parties and the Fjellpark Festival every summer. These are events many people really look forward to.
At the same time, he hopes the town can get even more life through the winter as well.
– Flekkefjord has become incredibly good at spring and summer, but still has great potential in the quieter months.
– We need to get better at being proud
Per Fredrick believes one of the most important things for the future is how residents themselves talk about the town.
– I perhaps miss a slightly more positive attitude towards the place we live. It's easy to focus on what's missing, but we're all ambassadors for Flekkefjord. I think we need to get better at showing that.
At the same time, he feels that more and more young people are finding their way back.
– Our group of friends still sticks together after all these years. Many have moved home again, and I think more will come eventually.
If we want to get young people home, businesses must dare to invest.
Per Fredrick Thorsen
For young people considering moving home or to the region, he believes job opportunities are absolutely crucial.
– I actually felt that the job opportunities in Flekkefjord weren't good enough. That's why businesses need to get better at creating opportunities for young people – both during and after their studies.
He believes internship programmes and student positions can make a big difference.
– Flekkefjord Sparebank takes in 20 students every summer, not because they have to, but because they want to showcase the opportunities that exist here. In practice, that could mean 20 potential return migrants. This year there were 157 applicants for the programme, which shows that young people actually want to work and build a future in the region. Then more workplaces must also dare to invest in young people and sign up.
He also highlights AMV and NorDan as companies that seem to invest well in young employees and development.
Advice for other young people
For other young people considering moving to Flekkefjord alone, his advice is simple:
– Go to events. Wharf parties, music bingos, wine evenings and festivals. You have to make a bit of effort yourself, but then it's also easy to meet people.
He also highlights meeting places and networks like MØT and 'Aktiv Ung' as good gateways to both work and social environments.
He himself is optimistic about the future in the region.
– Yes, I definitely see myself staying here going forward.
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