Training positions, material donations and high-quality operations: Uwira is a valuable partner for Vamia

The Vaasa-based vocational school Vamia has long collaborated with Uwira, a manufacturer of prefabricated pipe components, double walled pipes and pressure vessels. Uwira is part of the Leinolat Group, along with Leimec, T-DRILL, Kilkanen, and Bobi.com. Uwira and Vamia's collaboration, spanning several decades, includes practical training positions, material donations and mutual exchange of knowledge.

"In addition to training positions, Uwira donates surplus production materials to us for educational purposes. This allows students to practice with materials that are actually used in the industry. A significant part of our collaboration is mutual exchange of knowledge and comprehensive trust. It is invaluable to have the opportunity to consult a company like Uwira, which performs high-quality welding. Uwira is one of the companies with whom we have a functional and close partnership," says Marko Haikonen, who has taught plate welding at Vamia for 22 years. 

Investing in students is an investment in the future of the local industry

According to Haikonen, from the perspective of the future of the local industrial sector, it is crucial that students get to know local companies during their studies. The foundation of their expertise is laid at school, but many practical skills are only learned at the workplace.

"While practical training does tie up a company's resources, it ultimately benefits all parties involved. During training periods, professionals from the company can pass on their work and expertise to students and train the very individuals that may be employed by the company in the future. Training positions often lead to summer jobs or even permanent employment after studies."

Haikonen emphasizes the importance of genuinely investing in student guidance. When students are introduced to their tasks with a relaxed, patient, and knowledgeable approach, they are left with a positive experience. This increases their commitment and even creates pride in the students towards their training position.

"It is very important to give students a chance and to understand that they have not had time to accumulate expertise yet. Uwira has a positive and active attitude towards the world of education, and students have had good experiences with the collaboration. We have had longstanding personal relationships with Uwira, so we are also able to communicate openly. It is great to have a partner like Uwira."

Comprehensive orientation, appropriate amount of responsibility and an atmosphere "like no other"

19-year-old Adam Kontiokari and 17-year-old Viljami Hietala study plate welding at Vamia. Kontiokari, in his final year of studies, had his first experience at Uwira during his second-year practical training period, continued to have a summer job in the company and currently works part-time at Uwira alongside his studies. Hietala is currently on his first practical training period.

Both Kontiokari and Hietala chose Uwira as their training position based on positive feedback they heard from people who have worked at the company. Good experiences have also proven true for the young men.

"We have primarily been welding, but we have also had tasks like assembly work, pipe pressure testing and cutting – basically all kinds of tasks that revolve around welding. We have had comprehensive orientation, but still been given responsibility for performing the work. Help is always available when needed. And the atmosphere here is like no other. We would gladly work for Uwira in the future."

Explore Vamia's educational offerings here

Other companies within the Leinolat Group also invest in educational cooperation – read about Leimec's and Vamia's collaboration here! (in Finnish)