Diverse career boosts power for the future

Originally she arrived on the island to teach Swedish to radiation supervisors prior to their training period in Sweden. Since plant units OL1 and OL2 were delivered by the Swedish company Asea Atom, there was need for further language training in Olkiluoto. Later Ms. Sarparanta worked as a translator until 1981, when she was given a job in the library and information service.

Ms. Sarparanta, who had graduated as an engineer in process engineering, also worked as an assistant for a while, before a vacancy became available in her own field of expertise.

- There was a vacancy of a fuel engineer and I was asked if I would be interested in the position. I was very excited to apply for the job and also got it. That means I have been a TVO employee since 1982, Ms. Sarparanta smiles proudly.

Wonderful career development

At present, Ms. Sarparanta works in the Olkiluoto 3 project as a Senior Expert, and she can certainly boast expertise in many different fields. During her career of more than 30 years, she has gained experience in many kinds of projects and tasks.

When working as a fuel engineer, Ms. Sarparanta also acted as the coordinator responsible for regulatory control of nuclear safeguards. Her posts have also included those of Head of Division and Head of Section, as well as Communications Manager for OL3. A long list of different positions.

- It is wonderful that TVO has made this kind of job rotation and gaining experience in such diverse positions possible. I have been extremely grateful for these opportunities.

There have been many highlight moments during the long career. According to Ms. Sarparanta, the greatest aspect of working in Olkiluoto is the constant development and the chance to follow it at close range.

One example of such advancements was the commissioning of the interim storage for spent nuclear fuel in late 1980s.

- The completion of the actual storage and the preparations for the transport of spent fuel, learning that entire procedure, was a really big thing. We went all the way to Germany to learn more about it, Ms. Sarparanta recalls.

- Everything connected with the fuel and control of nuclear safeguards in general has undergone massive advancements. I have learned a great deal by following this development and carrying out control activities in the manufacture of the fuel, for example. Moreover, I have had the honour of being involved in many of the several unique projects that TVO has participated in; I have even acted as a coordinator in many of them.

International contacts close to heart

One of the most memorable projects concerned the control of peaceful uses of nuclear materials and the development of methods related to the detection of misuse.

- Development work on these inspection procedures has been carried out here within international projects. TVO has provided the setting for projects coordinated by STUK for the development and testing of equipment as well as for the training of international inspectors.

International matters are indeed close to Ms. Sarparanta's heart and she has enjoyed the multicultural aspects of her work. Having herself lived in both Switzerland and Sweden, she embraces work in the international arena.

- I have always appreciated cooperation and exchange of experience with nuclear power plant operators in other countries. The constant pursuit of cooperation provides valuable information feedback. I have learned a lot about different work cultures, which has been very useful in my own work.

In addition to the tasks of Senior Expert, Ms. Sarparanta is currently also in charge of OL3 communications. She says that it is the responsibility, variation and diversity of the work that has made her enjoy her employment at TVO so much.

- My work has been challenging and interesting and I have never been bored. TVO has been a good employer and the work community here is absolutely awesome.

- It has also been a unique experience to be part of the construction project of the most advanced plant unit in the world, and an advocate of clean energy production and the advantages offered by nuclear power in electricity production.