Iiro works as a Tool Manufacturer at Valmet Automotive’s machine workshop at the Uusikaupunki car plant, and has been with the company for over ten years. His career path has taken him through a variety of jobs and learning experiences. Iiro’s story is an inspiring example of how commitment and a motivation to develop can open new career opportunities.

 

CAREER PATH AT VALMET AUTOMOTIVE

By education Iiro is a vehicle mechanic and his career at Valmet Automotive started in 2013 in the finishing department of the body shop. Even before coming to the car plant, he had gained experience in many different fields, such as earthworks, packaging and construction work. This attitude to learn new and not be afraid of challenges has opened doors later on at the car plant as well.

  • I started my career at body shop, where I worked with finish fitting and repairs. Then it was suggested to me that I could learn new things in the paint shop. I wasn’t afraid of new challenges, and I was ready to develop my skills.

Iiro wanted to be able to work in a more varied way, so he moved to a substitute position, which meant a broader scope of work in the department. A major turning point in Iiro’s career was when he was offered a transfer to a machine workshop as a Tool Manufacturer. This department manufactures production support tools that are not available on the shop shelf.

  • I worked as a substitute for a while, but it was natural for me to work alongside the work to brainstorm and develop the production operations and process. For example, when a car body is moved from the body shop to the paint shop, we use auxiliary irons, which are necessary in the process. When these auxiliary irons sometimes broke, I started to repair them myself. That’s when  I was asked  if I would be interested in doing this kind of development work as a full-time job. I said yes, and that was the beginning of a new phase in my career at the machine workshop.

Today, Iiro’s job title is Tool Manufacturer and he enjoys the variety of his work. Working in a machine workshop has involved constant problem solving and collaboration with other workers, designers and functions at the plant.

  • Every day is different, sometimes you can get the job done in an hour, while other times it can take a whole week. It’s rewarding to see how the tools I’ve made are being used and making production work easier.

 

INVOLVED IN MANY THINGS, BOTH AT WORK AND IN FREE TIME

Iiro’s career at Valmet Automotive has not been all lonely toil. He has always been active and enjoys working in a team with people and considers this to be his strength.

  • I like working with people. I can listen others opinions and help them, even if it’s not always considered to be my on job description. If I can’t help, I’ll guide them forward.

Iiro is involved in many things, both at work and in his free time. In his free time, for example, he serves on the board of a motorcycle club. Iiro is also active in his professional life and is the deputy chief shop steward and deputy safety representative at the car plant, as well as a shop steward in the maintenance department. In addition, he is a member of the Council of the Federation of Industrial Union and serves on the board of the local trade union.

  • I would describe myself as approachable, adaptable and willing to learn new things. These traits have also been my strengths throughout my career. Although the work is sometimes demanding, I try not to take work home. Our managers have been supportive in helping me balance my work duties and steward roles.

Iiro’s working days are often hectic, but he also takes care of his  well-being and health. In his spare time, Iiro enjoys playing sports such as volleyball, basketball and computer games with friends. In the summer, he enjoys cottage life.

 

WHY VALMET AUTOMOTIVE

Iiro thinks Valmet Automotive is a great place to work because of its good working atmosphere, competitive salaries and extensive leisure benefits. In addition, the company offers internal career development opportunities.

  • For example, we have a gym for our personnel and there is a wide range of leisure activities offered, they are also constantly striving to improve. Uusikaupunki car plant is a good place to be. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else and I believe that this is a place where you can work for the long term and develop.

 

If you dream of a career where you have the opportunity to develop, learn new things and work in a variety of roles, Iiro’s story is a good example of what Valmet Automotive can offer.