After two and a half years as an apprentice, Emil Dahl (24) can now call himself a traditional boatbuilder after passing his trade examination. The test consisted of producing a plank for the new Gokstad ship currently under construction in Sandefjord and Tønsberg.
Text: Einar Chr. Erlingsen
Emil is from Holmestrand and has always been drawn to craftsmanship. One of his high school teachers noticed this and suggested that there might be an opening for an apprenticeship with Oseberg Viking Heritage.
And there was—under the expert guidance of construction manager Jan Vogt Knutsen. Jan is now halfway through building his fourth Viking ship (Oseberg, Klåstad x 2, and Gokstad), making him likely the most experienced Viking shipbuilder in the country.
“I’m passionate about keeping our traditional crafts alive,” Emil says. He has enjoyed working at Vikingodden, which he describes as a fun and varied workplace. “And there are so many nice people here, both my colleagues and the many visitors who drop by. We build in full view of the public, and I think it’s great that people are interested in what we’re doing.”
Emil’s employment formally ends on July 25, but he’s not too worried about finding work afterwards. Skilled craftsmen are always in demand!
Translated from Norwegian by ChatGPT
TEACHER AND APPRENTICE: Emil Dahl (left) and construction manager Jan Vogt
Knutsen. Emil’s trade test consisted of crafting one of the planks for the new Gokstad ship
taking shape on the slipway in Tønsberg. (Photo: Einar Chr. Erlingsen)