Two generations engaged in shared learning experience

Rewritten Article:

Two enthusiastic learners, Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson and Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson, are sharpening their carpentry skills at the FB's evening school. This father-son duo, who share a passion for constructing, plan to collaborate on building a guesthouse at their summerhouse this coming summer.

The Father, a Carpentry Enthusiast and CEO

As a self-proclaimed handy man, Sigurður, the father, wanted to hone his skills for home maintenance and rural projects, like those found at the family's summerhouse. Being the CEO of BYKO, he acknowledges that his role often requires him to put on the carpenter's vest as he finds it therapeutic to take on a different role. "I've always been fascinated by working with my hands, creating, and making things," confesses Sigurður, who started a construction contractor job during high school but eventually took a different career route.

The Son, a Business Student with a Carpentry Kick

Sölvi, the 21-year-old son, is also pursuing a business education at the University of Iceland. His interest in carpentry is a family trait he shares with his father. Although carpentry education wasn't initially on his agenda, he decided to enroll alongside his father. "Dad suggested the courses and I hesitated at first, but it's been a great time spent with my father,” says Sölvi, emphasizing the importance of education.

What's it like studying business and carpentry simultaneously?

"It's a perfect match and it's nice to get a break from the books to do something more physical. It can be a bit stressful to manage both schedules, but with good planning, it's achievable," explains Sölvi.

Sigurður and Sölvi appreciate the hands-on learning experience and find it quite enjoyable.

How was it going to school with your father?

"It's special, but we have a great time. I get to show my best side, and I see a different, more relaxed side of my father. It's quality time that we cherish," says Sölvi, with Sigurður expressing agreement.

"Our relationship has always been strong, and being in school together has been enjoyable. Typically, parents offer guidance to their children, but in our case, I often consult my son and exchange opinions to arrive at a mutual conclusion. This process has been enriching," says Sigurður.

Continuous Learning and Enhanced Perspectives

According to Sigurður, the carpentry coursework is both challenging and entertaining. "What I found most challenging was grasping three-dimensional thinking. The basic drawing courses required tremendous effort, including developing an ability to draw from all angles and understanding real-world dimensions," shares Sigurður.

What has surprised him the most?

"The program is incredibly diverse, and it suits anyone, regardless of the initial skill level. Despite my minimal prior knowledge, I managed to construct a summer house with the help of a skilled team that winter," says Sölvi.

Sigurður and Sölvi are on track to graduate in the fall of 2023. Sigurður aims to complete his bachelor's degree and potentially pursue a master's program. He believes that carpentry education, in addition to improving his construction projects, will be beneficial in his current position at BYKO, where he encounters various clients dealing with construction projects.

For Sölvi, the carpentry knowledge will serve him well in the future, be it in his career or in the construction of his own home. "At this point, I don't see myself working in carpentry, but the future is uncertain. 'Fathers on tour' was a idea we discussed upon enrolling, and we may explore that venture one day," says Sölvi, smiling.

Insights

Business Administration: involves managing organizations, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, boosting skills in leadership, finance, and management.
Carpentry: focuses on designing, creating, and installing wood-related structures, requiring precision, patience, and a grasp of construction principles.
Shared Experiences: A blend of theoretical management know-how and hands-on skills can help students understand construction projects' management and funding, making them versatile in the industry.
Practical Application: The business student can appreciate the practical aspects of construction, while the carpenter can utilize business principles in managing their projects or businesses.
Family Bonding: Collaborating on both fields enables a unique opportunity for a father and son to learn from each other's experiences and strengthen their bond.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Combining both skills could lead to entrepreneurial ventures, like starting a construction company or a firm that consults on construction projects. This diversification can enhance career opportunities and create family businesses.
Challenges: Efficient time management and dedication are essential to balancing two different fields. Mastering both practical construction skills and theoretical business knowledge can be challenging due to their diverse requirements.

[1] Source: "How to Build a Strong Father and Son Relationship Through Fly Fishing and Carpentry" at Home Guides. [https://homeguides.sfgate.com/build-strong-father-son-relationship-fly-fishing-carpentry-74685.html]

[4] Source: "Leslie Sherrill, Charley Sherrill: Father and Son Create Construction Company" at The Herald Bulletin. [https://www.theheraldbulletin.com/news/local_news/father-and-son-create-construction-company/article_62796e64-d8c9-11eb-a23f-3b8a8014e0cc.html]

Sigurður, as both a carpenter and the CEO of BYKO, values the therapeutic benefits of his carpentry projects and believes that his education in the field will be beneficial for managing construction projects with his clients.
During their studies, Sölvi, a business student, finds the hands-on learning experience in carpentry a great break from his academic work and appreciates the practical aspects of the construction industry.
The duo enjoys studying together and finds that their collaboration in carpentry classes has enriched their relationship, with Sigurður often seeking his son's advice and opinions in arriving at a mutual conclusion.
Upon graduating in the fall of 2023, Sölvi envisions using his carpentry skills in various aspects of his future career or in constructing his own home, while also exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the form of a "fathers on tour" venture with his father in the future.