“I’ve never had the Sunday blues since I started working in the composites industry.”

Mona Bergstedt entered the composites industry by chance. After many years in healthcare, with late evenings and weekend shifts, she felt it was time to try something new. An acquaintance suggested she apply for a job in the composites industry—and it turned out to be a winning move.

Today, she has worked with composites for eight years, both in production and research.

“This is an incredibly interesting job. No day is the same, and I learn new things every day.”

As a technician at RISE, she supports researchers in their work. This includes everything from sample preparation to material preparation and lab testing.

“I can work on many different projects in a single day, for clients in completely different industries and countries. That’s what makes the job so exciting.”

A new initiative within SWE-CIC was recently launched, aiming to get more women interested in the composites industry, and Mona is one of the driving forces behind it.

“We need to showcase what we do, especially here in Piteå. Even though many of us have been here for a long time, few people actually know what we do. Imagine if we could host open houses, offer summer jobs, or introduce the profession already in schools.”

She also highlights the importance of changing the perception of plastics as something purely negative.

“There’s plastic and then there’s plastic. Fiber composites are something entirely different. They have unique properties and play an important role in sustainability efforts. There are bio-based plastics, recycled fibers, and recycled plastics. There’s also a lot of research on how to recycle them effectively, which feels promising for the future.”

For those considering a career change, Mona Bergstedt has a clear message:

“Dare to give it a try. Many companies offer on-the-job training, and you learn by doing. I recommend this industry 100 percent.”

Photographer: Simon Olofsson