The forest industry and its products offer solutions to global climate and environmental issues. We can truly say that we are doing work that matters. In a constantly renewing sector, we are working on renewable raw materials and building the future on a sustainable foundation. A recent international patent survey shows that Finnish forest industry companies are at the forefront of developing new products for the global market.
The availability of labor cannot be taken for granted, but positive, future-oriented communication is constantly needed for broad target groups. Close cooperation between forest industry players and educational institutions is important for securing the workforce of the future. We must be able to tell young people who are planning study places and future jobs about our field in a way that interests them and through the channels they use. It is reasonable to doubt whether the message about the diverse opportunities of the forest industry, both in employee and clerical positions, has reached students considering their future to a sufficient extent.
At the same time, we must take care of the skills, continuous development of competence and work ability of our current experts throughout their working careers. The competence of experienced workers must be valued and models must be created that maintain their work ability and motivation to learn new things throughout their long working careers.
The training opportunities in the sector must be well taken care of. We must ensure that the training courses needed by the forest industry are maintained and developed. Forest industry companies must sufficiently highlight their own needs. When the needs and opportunities for employment are known, students begin to be found, and the study courses are adjusted according to the needs of the companies. Since many of our jobs are far from the largest cities, we also need attractive factors for family members to live at our locations. New solutions must be found for the employment opportunities of adults in families through good cooperation with decision-makers. Basic services, housing, daycare centers and schools must be in good condition.
The forest industry brings to the market climate-friendly products made from renewable and recyclable raw materials, which can reduce the dependence of people and society on exhaustible natural resources. We also work hard to protect biodiversity. We offer diverse work that is guaranteed to have a meaning. Let us be even more active than before in bringing out our wonderful story.
Pertti Hietaniemi
Human Resources Director
Metsa Group
