Father’s career at Olkiluoto inspired the Halminen siblings

- Their father picked up the certificate for his master’s thesis, which focused on the qualification of programmable devices for nuclear power plant environments, from Pori on the very day Delia was born, the siblings recall with a laugh.

Today, the stories they once heard from their father have become reality, as both siblings are now working at TVO as trainees.

Fifth summer at Olkiluoto

For Delia Halminen, 24, who studies chemistry at the University of Turku, this summer marks her fifth at Olkiluoto. She has previously worked at Olkiluoto 3 in the chemistry laboratory as a summer employee, as well as during commissioning and annual outages.

In her traineeship, Delia works with process water samples from Olkiluoto 3 and other samples taken from the plant units. Her daily responsibilities include determining concentrations in samples using spectrophotometers and chromatographs. Through her work, she has gained in-depth expertise in gamma spectrometry and other radiochemical analysis methods. Her enthusiasm for radiochemistry, sparked at Olkiluoto, even led her to switch research groups at university.

Inspired by their father to come to Olkiluoto

Julius Halminen, 21, studies electrical engineering at Tampere University and has completed his first year of studies. Like his sister, his work is closely connected to Olkiluoto 3. Julius works in power distribution, updating plant documentation related to power distribution and independent systems.

To support his work, Julius collaborates with a wide range of experts. Plant tours have also given him a practical understanding of how the facilities and systems operate by allowing him to see them firsthand. His summer traineeship has further strengthened his interest in power electronics and electrical energy systems.

- Already in upper secondary school, I said that one day I would become a Master of Science in Technology,” Julius says with a smile. “Following in my father’s footsteps has always inspired me, and working at Olkiluoto has long been one of my goals.

Juha’s life’s work continues to make an impact

Their father, Juha Halminen, worked at TVO for an impressive 20 years.

- That says a lot about the workplace, Julius notes.

The impact of Juha’s work is visible even in Julius’s own daily tasks. Julius updates documentation for systems that his father was once involved in developing. During his long career, Juha carried out pioneering work in the qualification of automation devices and safety-classified software. His expertise played a key role in securing STUK approval for TVO’s first Safety Class 2 software applications.

In the memories of his former colleagues, Juha is remembered as a helpful and reliable member of the community. Their stories especially highlight his readiness to assist others and his exceptional technical expertise.

Delia and Julius say in unison how meaningful it has been to hear stories about their late father.

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A workplace community where people thrive

As a family, the Halmisens participated in many workplace community activities outside working hours. As a child, Delia attended TVO’s Science and Technology Camp, and both siblings took part in the Group’s athletics competitions on several occasions.

The island’s strong sense of community continues to be part of their lives today, as the siblings have made friends among their colleagues outside of work as well.

- The work community is one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed returning here year after year,” Delia says. “The welcome has always been warm.

Encouraged by the positive atmosphere, Delia encouraged Julius to apply for a traineeship at TVO. Together, they sometimes wonder whether the rest of their siblings will one day find themselves working on the same island as well.

Text: Jessi-Julia Salonen and Venla Lehto
Photos: Tapani Karjanlahti