Becoming an expert in the field of earthwork through apprenticeship training
Entrepreneur’s apprenticeship is flexible
Sami Hassinen is studying for a vocational qualification in the field of earthwork through an entrepreneur’s apprenticeship.
– I studied to become a vehicle mechanic, but I ended up working on machines right after graduating. I worked in road maintenance and earthwork for about five years for a private entrepreneur, says Sami.
Then Sami changed jobs and drove a sewage truck for a couple of years.
– While still working, I started an earthwork company on a part-time basis. However, the business began to expand, and I became a full-time entrepreneur, Sami says.
Konepalvelu Sami Hassinen has been operating for 14 years. The company offers earthwork, road maintenance and forest management services mainly in the Ilomantsi, Eno and Lieksa regions.
What made you choose an entrepreneur’s apprenticeship?
– A little over a year ago, I hired an earthwork student from Riveria as an intern, and their teacher Ossi Pippuri came to visit the construction site. When we were talking, I told him that I had never studied earthwork. Ossi suggested that I should acquire a vocational qualification in earthwork through an apprenticeship in Riveria. That’s where the idea came about, says Sami.
Ossi Pippuri visited Ilomantsi to discuss the concept of an entrepreneur’s apprenticeship with a small group, and that is when Sami signed his apprenticeship contract.
– I have discussed the possibility of further education with Ossi, Sami says.
I have told many people about the entrepreneur’s apprenticeship because I think it is a great opportunity to study for a qualification. The education does not interfere with the actual work, and the amount of theoretical studies is just right.
Sami Hassinen
Increased competence in work supervision
Pasi Niemeläinen is an apprenticeship student studying for a specialist vocational qualification in the field of earthwork at SKS Infra Oy. Pasi has plenty of work experience in the field of earthwork, including supervision tasks.
– I joined Riveria’s Täsmäosaaja training in the field of earthwork, through which I got a job at SKS Infra Oy, says Pasi.
– Ossi Pippuri from Riveria asked if I was interested in acquiring a specialist vocational qualification in the field of earthwork through an apprenticeship, and it seemed like a suitable option for me, says Pasi.
I especially believe that my communication skills have improved, which has been useful in my current work tasks.
Pasi Niemeläinen
Pasi has gained tools for work supervision from his studies.
At the moment, Pasi works as an excavator driver foreman and plans the group’s work tasks together with his supervisor Seppo Saarelainen.
After the training, Pasi intends to continue working in the field of earthwork and possibly acquire further qualifications in work supervision through apprenticeship training.
The right person for the right tasks
– In addition to earthwork, we’ve had apprenticeship students in real estate services and financial administration tasks, says Seppo Saarelainen, CEO of SKS Infra Oy.
Apprenticeship training has been well suited for SKS Infra Oy because it enables the company to utilise the student’s valuable work contribution.
– As an employer, I am very much in favour of apprenticeship training. It requires that the workplace has enough time for guidance. In my opinion, apprenticeship training emphasises the student’s self-direction, says Seppo.
SKS Infra’s apprenticeship students have given good feedback on the implementation of the training and the guidance provided by the workplace. They have all been employed by the company.
