Interest in technology became a profession
Her interest in technology and desire to develop took Olivia from assembly to advanced machinery - and on to the plastics industry. Today she works as an assembler at Liljas Plast Group and loves working in an environment where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We had a chat with her about the profession, everyday life and the future.
Olivia, who are you?
I am a 29-year-old girl living in Hillerstorp and have always had a great interest in technology. Since 2021, I have worked in industry, first as an assembler through a staffing company.
To develop my technical skills, I started working as a press brake operator. For two years I worked with both manual and automated machines. I learnt how to read drawings, program machines and perform quality checks. But in 2023 I decided to change my specialisation - I wanted to work with plastics. It felt like an exciting next step.
What made you decide to become a carpenter?
I see plastic as a material of the future because it is replacing many other traditional materials in the textile and furniture industries, among others. Unlike sheet metal, plastics are more difficult to work with because many factors influence the process. This makes the work more challenging - but also more interesting! It was precisely this curiosity and desire to learn more that led me to the job of a scaffolder.
How long was your vocational training?
The programme was 11 months long. During that time I had an internship at Lilja's Plast, which led to a job right after graduation.
Would you recommend others to join the plastics industry? Why would you do so?
Absolutely! If you like technology and want a job where you can grow, the plastics industry is the way to go. The job of an actuator is sometimes stressful and requires you to find solutions quickly - but it is also very rewarding. I like working on concrete tasks where you can see the results of your work immediately. It's both motivating and fun.
What is the best thing about working at Liljas Plast Group?
After a year at Liljas Plast, I feel really grateful. It is a large company with good development opportunities. The work environment is fantastic - we help each other and have access to advanced technology that makes the job both educational and exciting. I also appreciate that the company has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. This makes me feel confident about being part of Lilja's future.
