Amanda began her career at Valmet Automotive in 2018 in the car plant body shop. Curiosity, an open mind, and the support of the work community have played a key role in her journey from body shop Operator to Shop Steward.
Career path at Valmet Automotive began when Amanda heard from a friend about an open position in the body shop. After graduating with vocational qualification in business, she worked in retail and office roles, among others, but due to her hands-on personality, those jobs did not feel like the right fit. The opportunity to move into more practical work immediately caught Amanda’s interest, and she decided to apply for the position. After being selected, she ultimately spent six years in the body shop.
CURIOSITY DRIVES YOU FORWARD
Curiosity and an interest in learning new things have been Amanda’s greatest strengths throughout her working life.
“I always look into things I don’t yet know, because I’m naturally very eager to learn.”
While working in the body shop, Amanda developed her skills through apprenticeship training, progressing from car builder to team leader. The training also gave her the opportunity to work as a substitute team leader, supporting production team leaders when needed.
Her career at the plant progressed step by step: first as an operator in the body shop and occasionally in a substitute role, leading to an opportunity to run for the position of Shop Steward for production employees.
ENCOURAGED BY COLLEAGUES INTO A NEW ROLE
The idea of becoming a Shop Steward first came to Amanda through her colleagues.
“My coworkers came to tell me about the opportunity to run in the election and really encouraged me to do it. I thought about it over the weekend, and in the end, I decided to run.”
In the election, Amanda was chosen as the Area Shop Steward for body manufacturing, covering both the body shop and the paint shop. It was the first time this position combined these two production functions. In her new role, Amanda wanted to learn as much as possible about the work done in the paint shop as well, as it was a less familiar area for her.
“I went to observe the people working in the paint shop because I knew that’s the best way for me to learn.”
As an Area Shop Steward, Amanda’s responsibilities include ensuring compliance with collective agreements and labor legislation, as well as promoting employees’ rights, well-being, and position in the workplace. In addition to her Shop Steward duties, she also took on the role of the first Deputy Health and Safety Representative, which brought responsibility for supporting occupational safety at the plant.
SUPPORTING PEOPLE AND EVERYDAY WORKING LIFE
Amanda’s workdays consist of meetings, resolving issues, problem-solving, and interacting with employees. The work is diverse, and no two days are the same.
“Above all, my work requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to meet and listen to people.”
No formal education is required for the role of Shop Steward, but Amanda has actively developed her expertise through courses such as basic and advanced occupational safety training. In her view, one of Valmet Automotive’s strengths is the way learning is supported through practical work experience.
“At Valmet Automotive, you are trained for the job, and at the same time, the work itself teaches you. For someone who enjoys hands-on work and wants to keep learning, it’s very rewarding.”
OPENNESS AND COURAGE TAKE YOU FAR
At first, stepping into the role of Shop Steward felt very exciting and even a little nerve-racking for Amanda. However, the transition into the new role felt natural, as it was her coworkers who had chosen her for the position. Amanda describes herself as someone who is always open to change and hopes her example might encourage others to follow the direction that feels right for them.
“I’ve really enjoyed working as a Shop Steward, but I could also happily return to working as an operator. In the end, what matters most to me is the kind of team I get to work with.”
COMMUNITY IS A STRENGTH
When Amanda reflects on why she has enjoyed working at Valmet Automotive for so many years, the answer lies in the work community. Over the years, some colleagues have become close friends, and Amanda has also noticed how the sense of community has grown even stronger with time.
“Our work community is warm and wonderful. I have always genuinely enjoyed being here, and I feel that the sense of community has been the greatest strength behind my job satisfaction. When I’ve moved from one team to another, I’ve been able to encourage people to talk more openly through my own positive attitude and bring out a more social side even in quieter personalities.”
In addition to her role as Shop Steward, Amanda is also involved in Valmet Automotive’s leisure committee, which brings a nice balance to her work. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, cats, crafts, friends, and following ice hockey. For Amanda, it is important that everyday life also includes joy and humor.
“I try to make even less interesting things, like cleaning, fun. The same mindset works at work as well.”
Amanda especially recommends Valmet Automotive to people who value a strong sense of community and a fair employer. She feels that people are treated well and that colleagues genuinely support one another, which makes the work truly meaningful.
Amanda’s story is a reminder that curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude can take you far and sometimes open also unexpected opportunities.