Such an opportunity was found Blue CraneHe had been driving a truck for some time and was considering a change of career until a friend lured him to work at Stora Enso's Imatra factory. However, Kurki realized that he couldn't just walk into the factory.
“I studied to be an electrician and got an internship and summer job at the factory in the automation department. Those experiences reinforced the idea that Stora Enso could be the right place for me. I applied for an apprenticeship at Stora Enso and started my studies in January 2023,” says Kurki.
During his two-year apprenticeship at Stora Enso's Imatra mill, Kurki has worked in quality measurement and laboratory equipment maintenance. The apprenticeship has given him a good understanding of what goes on in the processes of one of the world's largest consumer board mills. The apprenticeship is still ongoing, so a permanent job has not yet been offered.
"I planned to focus on automation, but I have also gained expertise in the process side," Kurki says. "I like learning new things, so I have spent a lot of my free time studying and completing demonstrations at a fast pace."
Work experience and skills are gained already during your studies
Kurki has found the content of the apprenticeship training to be meaningful and has noticed that making the most of it is largely up to him. For him, the apprenticeship model has been an excellent way to combine theory and practice.
"If you are active and motivated, you can get a lot out of this form of study. In the workplace, you have to be brave enough to participate and ask questions of more experienced employees. Based on my own experience, Stora Enso's staff has a positive attitude towards students and offers them support and guidance," says Kurki.
He sees the forest industry as a good place to work, as there is always a need for cardboard and pulp. He also believes that developments in the industry and innovative bioproducts will bring many new opportunities.
“It’s a good way to learn and get to know the employer in a relaxed manner. This way, both parties can make sure they’re a good fit.”
Imatra factories have long traditions in apprenticeship training
At Stora Enso's Imatra mill, apprenticeship training has been a significant recruitment channel for production, maintenance and logistics since the 2010s. During the two-year training, students work on a fixed-term contract.
“Over 90 percent of those who complete the apprenticeship are made permanent after completing the training. Over the years, approximately 200 people have participated in the training,” says the person responsible for personnel development and well-being at Stora Enso’s Imatra mills. Leena Ojamaa.
The Imatra mills have been a pioneer in apprenticeship training in the forest industry. The positive experiences have encouraged other Stora Enso mills to utilize the apprenticeship model.
“Apprenticeship training is a flexible and effective way to deepen professional skills to meet Stora Enso's needs. Each factory and production facility operates in its own way and requires a long orientation. The apprenticeship model gives students the opportunity to learn and develop in their work tasks in peace,” Ojamaa sums up.
Metsä Group and UPM also utilize apprenticeships in their own recruitment.
Metsä Group's apprenticeship program starting in January had 60 places available. UPM, meanwhile, is recruiting around 50 students this autumn for its own apprenticeship programs, which will start in the first quarter of 2025.
