​In search of competent people

Information Officer Merja Heinonen, and Mika Tanhuanpää, who is the Head of Visits at TVO, have just returned from the last career fair of this spring. – We were in Tampere sounding out the feelings of the students and discussing the job opportunities offered by a nuclear power company. It was a well organised event and we met many interesting people, says Ms. Heinonen.

Career events all round Finland

In addition to Tampere, TVO has this year participated in similar events in Oulu, Lappeenranta, Helsinki and Rauma. – We have found these events really valuable and motivating. Young people have good questions and the conversations often give both parties food for thought. We prioritise events arranged by student organisations and try to participate in them whenever we can. This year we still have a few smaller events organised by various guilds to look forward to, Mr. Tanhuanpää explains.

Ms. Heinonen and Mr. Tanhuanpää define two important reasons for participation in job fairs. – First of all, we are offering summer job opportunities to skilled and motivated persons. This year TVO will give work to about 150 summer employees. Secondly, TVO is still an unknown company in some educational institutes and being seen in these events can increase the students’ awareness of us.

Mika and Merja doing their thing in Tampere. Ainomaija Kylänpää from Human Resources in the background.

Jobs in many fields

Ms. Heinonen and Mr. Tanhuanpää are used to students thinking that there cannot be job opportunities for them at a nuclear power plant. – It is nice to tell them that there are very many different kinds of jobs in Olkiluoto. All our employees are not nuclear physicists, far from it. We employ also e.g. chemists and radiology nurses. TVO is even engaged in winery operation as well as crab and sturgeon farming, so one could say we have also agricultural activities.

The commuter transport provided by the company to the employees from Rauma and Eurajoki is a factor in TVO’s favour. – Students often do not have their own car, and therefore the bus connections are a definite bonus, boasts Ms. Heinonen.
Ms. Heinonen and Mr. Tanhuanpää represent Corporate Relations, but a representative from Human Resources accompanies them on their visits to career events. – The team participating in the event is determined on the basis of the size and nature of the event. We always try to include a person who has studied in the institute concerned. This creates a direct contact between the institute and the company.

Tips for job searching

The two career fair presenters give the students tips on how to approach a potential employer. According to them, the importance of personal contact should still be remembered, instead of just sending an email and keeping fingers crossed.
So-called adult students account for an increasing share of students. Many people move to a new career and look for new challenges. – Experience is now on offer on the market. The many unfortunate layoffs are surely also reflected in the situation, Mr. Tanhuanpää concludes.

The cheerful disposition of Heinonen and Tanhuanpää contributes to the joyful appearance of TVO’s stand. – We are happy to unveil the secrecy of nuclear power, so do come and say hi the next time you bump into us somewhere, they both laugh.