Leimec Oy has collaborated with Vamia to assess the company’s capacity to offer apprenticeship opportunities to students. The initiative for this assessment came from Eeli Kuusisaari, who was working a summer job at Leimec and was interested in completing his studies in mechanical and production engineering through an apprenticeship.
“I came here for a work experience placement during ninth grade, and that’s when I was told that Leimec might have summer jobs for me, too. Now I’m here for my second summer, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a great first job. I mainly work on the assembly of ventilation units.”
Apprenticeships suit hands-on learners, offering both a professional qualification and money for gas.
Kuusisaari had first heard about apprenticeships during junior high school guidance counseling sessions, and the idea of an alternative study path was already on his mind during his very first summer job.
“I enjoy learning new things through hands-on work. After my first year of studies, I wanted to specialize in welding and sheet metal work. Having some summer job experience helped me make that choice, as I already had an idea of what that kind of work is like in practice.”
Kuusisaari feels that working alongside his studies builds his skills while also keeping his bank account balance comfortably in the black.
“Completing my studies via an apprenticeship would feel meaningful because I’d get to do real work as part of a team. At the same time, it would be nice to be able to buy gas for my vehicle and put some money into savings, too.”
Jukka Hakamaa, CEO of Leimec, explains that an apprenticeship gives students the chance to become part of a workplace community where tacit, practical knowledge—the kind not necessarily taught in school—is shared. He is also pleasantly surprised by how flexible the apprenticeship model is from an employer’s perspective.
“We are experts in our own manufacturing processes, so we can define the areas where we can—and cannot—assist the student. With the help of Vamia, the student can complete part of their studies at the educational institution alongside their peers.” It is beneficial that the training can begin with foundational studies as part of a group, with the option to transition to an apprenticeship model later on.
Nina Hautio, a training planner in the fields of technology and transport at Vamia, confirms Hakamaa’s observations:
“The apprenticeship model is highly flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs of the company and the student, in accordance with the qualification requirements. Apprenticeships can also help address labor shortages when the interests of the company and the student align effectively.”
Vamia supports both the student and the employer throughout the studies.
Hakamaa is pleased with the discussions held with Vamia. The company has worked with the same contact persons throughout the process, and sufficient information has been available.
“Vamia is clearly familiar with the learning opportunities Leimec offers, which has made planning the training easier.”
At a practical level, the company needs to designate a workplace instructor for the student—someone who is motivated and willing to guide the student throughout their studies. Additionally, the employer must provide the instructor with the necessary resources, such as sufficient time to mentor the student.
“The workplace instructor plays a crucial role in onboarding the student to their tasks. In addition to this, Vamia supports the apprentice’s academic progress throughout the training. Vamia assigns a responsible teacher who maintains regular contact with both the student and the workplace instructor. Meanwhile, Vamia’s Apprenticeship Services handle the administrative aspects of the apprenticeship in cooperation with the student, the employer, and the Vamia teacher,” Hautio adds.
Vamia also uses the Tiitus system, which serves as a meeting point for employers and students. Through the system, employers can post job opportunities and browse suitable candidates for the roles. Students, in turn, can upload their CVs and browse the system for interesting job opportunities. Read more about apprenticeship training on Vamia’s website.
Employers, register with Tiitus here.