News | 19 September 2025
Supporting our students: Justin Ohlsen
In our schools, all staff make a difference for every student. This series highlights the diverse roles that contribute to a positive and supportive school environment. Read about Justin Ohlsen, IT representative and caretaker at IES Norrtälje.
Describe your work and what your role entails.
As I have two roles here at IES Norrtälje, I will briefly describe both. As an IT representative, I look after all our digital devices and communication networks, which have been deployed to our staff and students. I take care of all computers, projectors, mobile phones and the software on these devices as well. I also repair and service these devices. Additionally, I train our staff members on best cybersecurity practices to maintain confidentiality when using our school data.
As the caretaker, it is my responsibility to ensure that practical equipment such as the heating, air conditioning, lighting, water, recycling, deliveries, playground equipment and much, much more, all work flawlessly. I work closely with entrepreneurs, the building owner / manager and IES Norrtälje management to ensure all things work as intended. I repair or replace all that breaks or stops functioning as intended. I am also responsible for implementing more efficient routines in order to save time and money.
Why did you choose to start working at IES, and how long have you been working here?
I chose to apply at IES Norrtälje when it opened as I felt that I could contribute my skills and efficiencies in both computer science, in addition to being a general “handyman”. I have been a team member at IES Norrtälje since August 2024, just before the school opened its doors to students for the very first time.
What would you say makes your school a great school?
Our school culture! Even though we are a young school, we have an amazing culture. Our students are extremely nice and helpful to each other and to our staff members, it is amazing to see. The management team are amazing to work with, and are extremely nice people in general.
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"Even though we are a young school, we have an amazing culture. Our students are extremely nice and helpful to each other and to our staff members, it is amazing to see."
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What is the best thing about your job?
I am very technical and practical, which is well-suited to my responsibilities within my two roles. Many aspects of IT and caretaking bleed over to each other, with many tasks requiring both high technical knowledge and practicality to effectively solve many problems. Being able to confidently solve these problems for our school in such a timely manner gives me great confidence that nothing is impossible. The appreciation from our staff and students when these problems are solved or tasks are completed gives an incredible feeling of accomplishment.
What are you most proud of when you think about your school?
I am most proud of the positive culture that we already have in place, even though we are a new school. Our staff and students love to get involved in all that goes on and help each other when they are in need. It is truly amazing to see.
If you could go back and tell your seventh-grade self one thing, what would it be?
7th grader Justin would never believe that he would be employed at a school. I was a "problem child", always in detention for misbehaviour. I hated school and hated studying. I had many problems at home, so out of frustration, I took it out on the teachers and the school staff. Even though I had so many troubles, I still found hope and consideration from the amazing staff at my school. I would tell myself to thank my teachers more, as I now realise that they never gave up on me, and that they are there with the best intentions to help me. I would tell myself that everything will work out, and that I will be able to help others just as I was helped.