Jarand (25) elected as leader of NITO Students

NITO Students held the 2026 national meeting at Scandic Helsfyr on 17–19 April. At the AGM, politics, budget, accounting, political statements and work programmes were discussed, among other things. Not least, a new central board and nomination committee were elected.

 

The national meeting is NITO Students' highest political body, where delegates elected at the local branches' annual meetings participate, together with the student board. The meeting is an arena where delegates gather to adopt policies, deal with issues, and work on the political goals for the coming period.

With Jarand Byrkjeland as leader, Thomas Kristiansen as first deputy chair and Nora Blekken Furu as second deputy chair, the organization will have a board that will represent over 176,000 engineering and technology students in the coming year.

 

The new management trio takes over the responsibility at a time when many students face a more demanding labour market and increased expectations for both competence and adaptability.

 

The transition from studies to work is highlighted as one of the most important challenges for the students the organization represents.

 

"Our most important mission is to help ensure that students are as well prepared as possible for working life. It is about relevant expertise, practical experience and clear information about rights and opportunities," says leader Jarand Byrkjeland.

The new management points in particular to the need for more practice-based education and more relevant offers that give students a better starting point when they go out to work. Increased access to courses, certifications and competence measures are among the areas the management trio will prioritise.

 

"Many students feel that the gap between studies and working life is too great. We will work for more measures that provide practical experience and strengthen the link to the business community already during the study period," says Thomas Kristiansen, First Deputy Chair.

 

Second deputy leader Nora Blekken Furu also highlights the need for more practice and work experience as part of the educational pathway.

 

"Far too many people enter working life without feeling well enough prepared. More relevant experience and stronger networks can make the transition easier for more people," she says.

NITO Students is the student part of Norway's largest organization for engineers and technologists, and is an important voice for students in technology and natural sciences. The AGM is the organization's highest body and gathers delegates from all over the country to adopt policies, work programs and elect new leadership.

 

The new management trio announces that they will build on the work that has already been done, while at the same time they want to strengthen the contact between the central level and the local branches.

 

"The commitment among union representatives and members is one of the organization's greatest strengths. Our ambition is to make NITO Students even more relevant to the students, both during their studies and in the transition to professional life," says Byrkjeland.