"Companies must take responsibility for skills and real wages"

The ongoing restructuring of the Norwegian economy, with increased investment in green technology and new types of industry, reinforces the need for targeted competence building.

"Companies are competing for the same scarce expertise. Then it is not enough to hope that the market delivers. Employers must make arrangements for their own employees to receive professional replenishment, time to learn and concrete opportunities for further education," says Sjølset.

He emphasizes that this is also a question of long-term value creation.

"The businesses that succeed in the future are those that manage to both retain people and develop them. Investing in expertise is investing in your own future," says the head of NITO Privat.

Good profitability must result in real wage growth

At the same time as the restructuring is underway, Norwegian business and industry are doing well overall.

"When companies deliver good results, it is reasonable that those who are responsible for value creation also get their share of the gains. Our members expect real wage increases and increased purchasing power," says Sjølset.

He points out that salary is an important part of both recruitment and retaining key skills.

"If we are to succeed with restructuring, green technology and new industries, we must have both competitive conditions and a long-term commitment to expertise. There are two sides to the same coin," says the head of NITO Privat.