Portrait of the Month : Ulrik – Radiation Protection Technician

My name is Ulrik Nordestgaard. I am an optimistic and cheerful person, originally from Denmark. I moved to Sweden at an early age when my father took a job related to the construction of the Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant. Interestingly, when I joined NUVIA, the idea was that I would be involved in the decommissioning of facilities that my father had once helped to build.

I currently work as a Radiation Protection Technician and trainer within the radiation protection field, delivering training both for NUVIA and for Vattenfall. I am also in the process of becoming Training Manager for NUVIA Sweden.
I joined NUVIA in November 2021, when I attended my very first radiation protection training course. Ironically, the same course that I now deliver myself. I am very grateful that both NUVIA and Vattenfall recognized my background as a teacher, which quickly allowed me to become part of the outstanding training teams at both organizations.

My professional background includes work as a high school teacher and as a florist, which may seem quite different from the field I eventually chose to pursue at NUVIA, radiation protection. However, I am extremely happy that I took the step to change careers and become part of the NUVIA team. A fun fact is that when the Prince Carl Philip married his Sofia in 2015, I was a part of the team that made all the flower arrangements for the wedding.

I deliver radiation protection training courses for both NUVIA and Vattenfall. These include introductory training for new staff members as well as advanced courses for more experienced personnel. In addition, I work as a Radiation Protection Technician at Ringhals and participate in outage projects at other nuclear sites.

I truly enjoy teaching and finding ways to make learning engaging and enjoyable. It is very rewarding to inspire new colleagues and help them understand the importance and meaning of the work we do.

One of the most satisfying moments is meeting former trainees inside the plant and seeing them fully engaged in their work, laughing, enjoying their roles, and thriving as part of NUVIA. Seeing them succeed brings me great joy and motivates me to continue doing what I do.

The main challenge is one that I believe is present in any profession: the continuous effort to improve. I constantly strive to develop both professionally and personally, to perform at my best, and to remain motivated to take on new challenges with enthusiasm and commitment.
Another challenge is that when I teach, I have students with so very different background. So to make the courses relevant, interesting and at the right level for all is sometimes challenging.

Initially, I did not fully know what the role of a Radiation Protection Technician involved. However, the work sounded both exciting and meaningful, and NUVIA appeared to be a company where one could grow professionally. I have since discovered that this is very much the case, the work is rewarding and fun, and if you are motivated, the opportunities are there.

I cannot point to one specific event, but what I often reflect on is the strong sense of community within NUVIA. It genuinely feels like being part of a large family.

Community, positivity, and forward momentum.

If you enjoy working as part of a successful and supportive team, NUVIA is definitely a company worth joining. Working together makes us stronger and enables us to achieve our shared goals and ambitions.

Positivity is contagious. If you approach life with joy and optimism, it spreads to those around you, so share your positivity.