When an international job seeker, an employer, and local employment and educational services join forces, they create a productive pathway that supports the job seeker’s integration into the workforce while meeting the company’s needs. Joensuu-based Tecwill Oy strengthened its production team with a motivated Ukrainian professional through the collaboration of Business Joensuu, Luotsi Joensuu, and Riveria.
A Ukrainian Job Seeker’s Initiative Opened Doors to Tecwill
In spring 2023, a determined Ukrainian job seeker entered the Joensuu job market with support from Luotsi Joensuu. Employment agent Riitta Nyberg guided the individual in navigating Finnish workplace practices and job application procedures, including CV writing and interview simulations.
- Our goal is to ensure that all job seekers are equipped to succeed in finding employment and integrating into working life, Nyberg summarizes.
Shortly after, the Ukrainian job seeker approached Tecwill Oy to express interest in employment. His initiative left a strong impression.
- His friendly demeanor, initiative, and proactive attitude won us over. Together with Riitta Nyberg, we explored options for employing him through a paid internship, says Tecwill’s CFO, Sohvi Haavasoja.
In summer 2023, the Ukrainian began a fixed-term employment contract at Tecwill. He worked on assembling, testing, and packaging large concrete plants, supported by a Russian-speaking coworker who assisted with on-the-job training.
- Although challenges included language skills in Finnish and English, as well as the technical knowledge required for the role, his diligence and motivation impressed us. We saw potential for him to grow into a long-term employee. Such an attitude is exactly what our company values, Haavasoja continues.
When the fixed-term contract ended, Tecwill was eager to retain the motivated Ukrainian talent.
- Further professional training and Finnish language skills could expand his role. However, we needed the support of our collaboration network to coordinate the practical details of a training pathway. Our aim was to find training that would enhance employee’s skills and meet our production needs, adds Tanja Kokko, Tecwill’s Financial and Administrative Specialist.
To address training needs, Tecwill reached out to Timo Hartikainen, a business coach from Business Joensuu's Employer and recruitment services, who took on the role of coordinating the activities of the collaborative network and brought together essential partners to advance a common goal.
- First, I discussed the Ukrainian employee’s training needs with Tecwill. Based on that, I contacted Riveria’s lecturer, Tommi Hirvonen, to identify suitable training options, Hartikainen explains.
- We worked with the employer to define the job description and training priorities. We assessed which aspects Riveria could provide training for and where the employer’s expertise was most beneficial. Based on these discussions, the Migrants on the Path to a Profession vocational training program proved to be the best solution, which we then customized to fit the job description, Hirvonen adds.
The program combines three months of preparatory professional education, including Finnish language learning, with a four-month on-the-job training period. During this time, the employee completes a vocational module focused on pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical assembly, and welding skills.
- The program’s flexible structure allows the employee to learn primarily in the workplace, supporting their integration into the work community. The employee is currently completing the on-the-job training period at Tecwill, and the preparatory phase at Riveria will begin early next year, Hirvonen explains.
Luotsi Joensuu provided continuous support to the employee throughout the process.
- I assisted him in applying for vocational training, navigating TE services, and handling other practical matters. A well-prepared integration benefits the employer as well, Nyberg says.
International workforce is not just a solution to labor shortages – their expertise, cultural diversity, and perspectives strengthen work communities and enhance regional competitiveness.
- International labor is a resource for us. They enrich our work community with their cultures and open new opportunities, for instance, in target markets. It’s also essential to recognize that a company’s way of operating is not always the only correct approach – cultural differences can offer valuable learning opportunities, says Tecwill’s Sohvi Haavasoja.
Riveria’s Tommi Hirvonen emphasizes the commitment of international talents:
- Immigrant workers are excellent professionals, motivated to train and commit to their employment.
Riitta Nyberg and Timo Hartikainen encourage businesses in North Karelia to utilize the services offered by the collaboration network:
- Without international workforce, our region’s labor market cannot remain competitive. It is crucial that all collaborators, together with businesses, support the smooth settlement, employment, and integration of talent into working life. Employers who actively develop their readiness to welcome international talents will ensure access to a skilled workforce in the future. Positive development is already visible in our region – collaboration between businesses, public service providers, and educational institutions has strengthened. Companies should take the initiative to explore the training and recruitment needs of international workforce early and with an open mind.
Text: Tanja Immonen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Tecwill Oy
For more information:
Sohvi Haavasoja, CFO, Tecwill Oy, +358 10 830 2900, sohvi.haavasoja@tecwill.com
Tanja Kokko, Financial and Administrative Specialist, Tecwill Oy, +358 10 830 2900, tanja.kokko@tecwill.com
Timo Hartikainen, Business Coach, Business Joensuu, +358 50 468 5492, timo.hartikainen@businessjoensuu.fi
Riitta Nyberg, Employment Agent, City of Joensuu Employment Services, Luotsi Joensuu, +358 50 591 9054, riitta.nyberg@joensuu.fi
Tommi Hirvonen, Lecturer in Mechanical, Metal, and Plastics Industries, Riveria, +358 50 572 2179, tommi.hirvonen@riveria.fi
This article is part of the activities of the Helposti Joensuuhun project, funded by the Regional Council of North Karelia and coordinated by the City of Joensuu in collaboration with Business Joensuu.