5 September 2025
Pioneering trainee programme in vacuum technology launched at ESS
Ernest Zejnic and Nikodem Leik, together with Marcelo Juni Ferreira, Head of the Vacuum Group at ESS.
Six-month trainee programme
Two recent upper secondary school graduates, Ernest Zejnic and Nikodem Leik, have started a six-month trainee programme in vacuum technology at ESS in Lund – the first of its kind in the region. The programme is aimed at students enrolled in upper secondary school programmes in electricity and energy, technology, or industrial technology.
Vacuum technology is crucial for the operation of research facilities such as ESS, but the lack of skilled personnel is a growing challenge both in Sweden and internationally.
During the programme, Ernest and Nikodem will be supervised by Marcelo Juni Ferreira, Head of the Vacuum Group at ESS, gaining practical experience in an area where the demand for expertise is high.
A pilot project
The trainee programme is a pilot project funded by Region Skåne’s STEM-UP initiative. Its aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The ambition is to expand the programme to other departments at ESS in the future.
“We are proud to give young people the opportunity to experience working in an international research environment at an early stage – particularly in such a critical area as vacuum technology,” says Amelie Hallin, External Relations Manager at Big Science Sweden
STEM-UP
The trainee programme is part of STEM-UP, a regional initiative to strengthen STEM skills in Skåne. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and led by Region Skåne in close collaboration with the education system, municipalities, industry, business development actors, and the public sector in Skåne.
Read more about STEM-UP on Region Skåne’s website.
Student programmes and job opportunities in Big Science
Big Science Swedens careers efforts aim to generate interest in the wide range of student programmes and job opportunities available at Big Science research organisations.
The target groups include both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as professionals with experience who are ready to take on new challenges.