My name is Tilda Erhag and I am the new trainee at Thomas Concrete Group for the upcoming year (2026/2027). I have a background in Civil Engineering and completed my degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. During my studies, I have developed a particular interest in the concrete industry and the material behavior and development of concrete in today’s society. So, I am very excited to have started my career at a company that offers an insight into the entire value chain and a one-year long trainee program that is tailored after individual interests.
The program began with a two-week long introduction program where I met colleagues from various positions and fields across the company. This gave me an initial understanding of how the different parts of the organization are connected and how they contribute to the company. My trainee year will include the following rotations:
1. Marketing and Communications
2. Sustainability
3. Ready-Mix Concrete Division
4. Pre-cast Concrete Division
5. Product Development
6. Business Development
7. Finance/Accounting
8. International Rotation
My first rotation has been within Marketing and Communication, where I spent four weeks working alongside Sofia Arvidsson Schultz and Louisa Thomas. During this time, I had the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of tasks. I participated in meetings, worked with website development, published press releases and attended a lunch seminar. I also worked with several individual projects, which allowed me to experience both the strategic and practical sides of marketing and communications.
One of my projects was to compare the company’s different websites and identify possible improvements. I also worked with updating the website for C-lab®, partly because of the new opening of the laboratory in Stockholm as well as developing a social media plan for LinkedIn for the autumn and writing posts.
Another interesting project involved carrying out a risk analysis and creating an action plan relating to the new EU requirements for how we communicate sustainability. I also helped with the company’s ‘Säg HEJ!’ initiative where I got to interview some of my new colleges and hear about their daily lives in the company.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this rotation was the variety, no two days were the same. One day could involve organizing marketing material while another could include meetings or visiting a production facility.
A particularly memorable experience was when Sertac Sevgili, Head of Marketing at Thomas Beton in Germany, visited Sweden. We visited Thomas Cement at the harbor in Uddevalla where we got to see the cement silo and loading facility for trucks. I also climbed to the top of the 48-metre-high silo where you can see the entire Uddevalla harbor and bridge. We also visited the precast concrete factory in Lane-Ryr, where we were given a tour of the production facilities. With my background in civil engineering, I found it especially interesting to see the automated reinforcement machine used in production of precast concrete slabs.
My time in marketing has shown me how important marketing and communication are in building a strong brand. Having a great product is only part of the equation, effective marketing and communication helps show its value, build trust and strengthen the brand.
My first four weeks were educational and a lot of fun. Most importantly, they have shown me that good communication is relevant in every part of a business. That is a lesson I will take with me as I continue through the rest of my trainee year and move on to my next rotations. Like Sofia and Louisa say, it’s always fun in marketing!
My next rotation is at sustainability!
