It was 2016 when Jarmo started his career at Valmet Automotive as a general assembly production worker. Later, his career path has taken him through roles as a team leader and job trainer, eventually leading to his current position as a project worker for the defense sector.

In his early twenties, Jarmo could hardly have imagined how a single phone call would shape his future career so significantly. Right after completing his military service, his initial job application to Valmet Automotive was unsuccessful. However, his motivated attitude left a lasting impression. Six months later, the situation took a new turn.

“I got a call on a Friday evening asking if I could start work on Monday. Over the weekend, I moved from Jämsä to Uusikaupunki, packing all my belongings into one car and moving into a shared apartment.”

A major life change was ahead, and also the job itself was entirely new. Jarmo had a background in plastics and rubber technology, which pointed toward a different field. However, his interest in cars and vehicle assembly ultimately made the decision feel natural. What also helped was that he wasn’t alone in this new phase.

“At the time, many young people from all over Finland joined Valmet Automotive, so it was easy to make friends quickly. The West Coast became very important to me.”

FROM ASSEMBLY LINE TO TRAINING CENTER

Jarmo spent his first six months working at the car plant as a production worker in the car assembly line. From there, he quickly moved on to a multi-skilled substitute role and later became a production team leader. In total, he spent four years on the assembly line before an opportunity arose to move into a job trainer role.

At the Training Center, Jarmo spent the next five years training new employees and helping ensure that everyone found their place within the work community. The role was demanding, yet highly rewarding.

“Every week brought new trainees, and at the same time, I was constantly learning myself. It was especially meaningful to support new employees, as I could relate to their situation. My calm personality was also an advantage in training.”

During his time as a trainer, Jarmo also participated in international projects and manufacturing process development of new vehicle models, further deepening his expertise. He was also involved in a joint project with the battery plant, where he trained employees in hybrid battery assembly. While there have been many memorable experiences along the way, for Jarmo, collaboration stands out as the most meaningful.

“For example, I got to take part in creating a future-oriented video together with our personnel. Being in front of the camera pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. At the same time, it created friendships that will last a long time.”

A NEW DIRECTION IN PROJECT WORK

At the beginning of 2026, Jarmo moved into project worker responsibilities in the defense business, opening yet another new direction in his career. No two days are the same in project work, but the key is understanding the bigger picture and the ability to learn quickly.

Recognizing opportunities brought by change and accepting uncertainty have played a significant role in Jarmo’s career. He describes himself as someone who likes to have everything under control, but project work has taught him to accept that not everything needs to be known right away.

“I would always like to know everything, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to. In project work, it’s more important to be able to apply and utilize existing knowledge in new situations.”

ROOM TO LEARN AND GROW

For Jarmo, one of Valmet Automotive’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse career paths and versatile working environment, which together make it possible to grow, even in unexpected directions.

“At Valmet Automotive, I’ve had the space to learn and develop. I was given responsibility early on, and that’s one of the reasons I’m still here. Opportunities open up when you say yes.”

He also highlights the strong team spirit and an atmosphere where people can truly be themselves as factors that make Valmet Automotive a special place to work.
In his free time, Jarmo finds balance in simple things such as spending time in nature and enjoying moments alone.

“Hiking and disc golf help me clear my mind. I also value having time just for myself.”

 

Jarmo’s story shows that a career path doesn’t have to follow a predefined route. Sometimes, a new beginning starts with a single phone call, and the courage to seize an opportunity.