Dads and lads hunkering down for learning sessions
Icelandic Father and Son Pursue Carpentry and Business Administration Simultaneously
Father and son, Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson and Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson,are studying at the evening school of FB, with the shared goal of becoming skilled carpenters. The duo plans to construct a guesthouse at their family's summerhouse next summer.
Sigurður, the CEO of BYKO, expresses his desire to maintain and repair his home and the family's summerhouse, as well as find solace in a more creative and hands-on role outside his day-to-day work. He worked in construction during his high school years but chose a different career path and is now back to learning carpentry to enhance his skills.
The 21-year-old Sölvi, a university student majoring in business, shares his father's interest in hands-on work. Although carpentry was not initially on his radar, he joined the courses when his father suggested it. He finds the combination of business administration and carpentry to be a good balance, as it provides a much-needed break from the academic rigor while still offering practical experience.
"It's a good fit, and it's great to get away from the books and do something more physical. It can be a little stressful to find the time to do both, but as long as you're organized and maintain a positive outlook, it works well," Sölvi says.
Both Sigurður and Sölvi appreciate the hands-on aspect of the program and have enjoyed their experience so far. Going to school together has been a unique experience for them, as they have the opportunity to bond and learn from each other.
"It's special but we have great fun. You get to see the good sides of each other, and I also see a different side of my father. It's just quality time that we have together, which I love," Sölvi shares.
Sigurður adds that studying together has been a rewarding experience, as they often collaborate on assignments and exchange opinions. He also sees the value in continuous learning and believes that the carpentry skills he is acquiring will benefit him in his role as CEO of BYKO.
"Every education is beneficial to people. I've always advocated continuous learning and learning from others. This education will be of use to me in my work, as my customers face construction projects every day. This education will further enhance my understanding of the challenges the BYKO customers face and need assistance with. It's important to us that our clients are doing well with their projects," Sigurður says.
According to both father and son, the coursework has been both challenging and rewarding. They are headed for graduation in the fall of 2023, with Sigurður planning to complete his bachelor's degree and potentially proceed to a Master's program. The education will not only result in better construction work but will also benefit him in his current job.
The first big project the duo hopes to undertake is the construction of a guesthouse at their summerhouse in the countryside. By gaining hands-on experience in carpentry, coupled with their business administration knowledge, they aim to execute the project seamlessly.
[Sources: mbl.is/Árni Sæberg]
- Sigurður, reflecting on his current academic pursuit, acknowledges that the combination of carpentry and business administration provides a unique blend that caters to his desire for a creative outlet while also enhancing his knowledge in the field of technology and education-and-self-development.
- In an unusual twist, Sölvi, a university student majoring in business, finds immense value in the hands-on carpentry coursework, viewing it as a refreshing contrast to the rigorous academic lifestyle that he believes offers practical experience and contributes to the development of his lifestyle and opinion on the importance of diverse skillsets.
