Tag: career opportunities

Design blueprint

Real project topics, real careers

At Nordec in Vaasa, students join design teams and work on real projects from the beginning. They take responsibility early and often complete their thesis on topics that are directly used in practice. For many, this has also been the start of a permanent role with us.

This approach has also led to external recognition. For three consecutive years, Nordec employees have received recognition for their theses at Teräsrakennepäivä, organised by the Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association. All three completed their work with Nordec and continued their careers with us in Vaasa. In each case, the thesis topic originated from a practical need identified during ongoing projects.

Three winner of the TRY awards at the Nordec office in Vaasa

From left to right: Michelle Österblad, Johanna Björkqvist and Lukas Aarnio celebrating at a shared coffee moment in the Vaasa office last December.

From thesis work to practical design tools

The first in this sequence was Johanna Björkqvist, who completed her thesis in cooperation with Nordec and has since continued working as part of the Vaasa design team. Her thesis focused on improving the calculation process in detailed steel design. She created five adaptable connection details in IDEA StatiCa and verified the results against independent MathCad calculations.

The work also included a short modelling guide for designers using IDEA StatiCa. The aim was to support the production of reliable calculation data while also enhancing awareness of the risks associated with connection design. “The thesis process was an educational experience. I want to thank Nordec for making the work possible and for the new knowledge I gained.”

Michelle Österblad joined Nordec as a trainee during her studies. “So, I applied for an internship and started working as a Trainee at Nordec in May 2023. After graduating, I continued working at Nordec as a Designer for a while,” she says. When it was time to define her thesis topic, she wanted it to have direct value. “I asked for the opportunity to write my thesis for Nordec. One of my colleagues suggested the idea of integrating EPDs into Tekla Structures, which I found interesting.”

Her thesis focused on integrating Environmental Product Declarations into the design process and creating a practical system that designers can use in everyday modelling. The system inserts the required EPD data for elements complying with specific declarations and supports the transfer of information between project stakeholders.

Lukas Aarnio developed an automated method for truss joint calculations directly inside SCIA Engineer, removing manual steps and reducing calculation time from hours to minutes. “Once that became clear, building the tool directly inside SCIA was the logical step. Developing something that designers can apply in real work felt worthwhile,” he says. The tool is now used in Nordec’s design work and allows truss joint calculations to follow the same modelling workflow used in everyday structural design.

From individual topics to shared development

Together, these theses show how development work at Nordec often grows directly from practical engineering questions. For students, this means working on real project challenges and producing results that remain in use after graduation. For Nordec, it means new methods and tools are developed as part of everyday design work rather than through separate research exercises.

Explore career opportunities at Nordec.

Learn more about design work at Nordec.

Automated truss joint calculation method in SCIA Engineer at Nordec.

From student project to everyday tool: Automating truss joint calculations

A routine calculation task that once took several hours now takes only minutes. The change comes from a thesis project by Design Engineer Lukas Aarnio, who developed an automated method now used across Nordec’s project teams. SCIA Engineer, a structural analysis program widely used in steel construction, provided the framework for integrating the improvement directly into the design environment. 

Practical thesis cooperation 

Lukas completed his thesis in 2025 while working in Nordec’s structural design organization. Earlier temporary roles had already shown him where everyday efficiency could be improved. The thesis topic came from his Nordec supervisor, Rickard Nybacka, who had identified a clear need to streamline how truss joint calculations were handled. Nordec supported the project with supervision, tool access, and regular early-stage guidance. 

The limitations of the previous workflow became clear early in the work. Excel was not feasible due to the complexity of data transfer and the number of manual steps required. “Once that became clear, building the tool directly inside SCIA was the logical step,” Lukas explains. “Developing something that designers can apply in real work felt worthwhile.” 

During the first two months of the thesis work, Lukas and Rickard Nybacka met online weekly to review progress and resolve technical issues. After the early phase, communication shifted to shorter meetings and email, allowing the thesis to advance independently while still ensuring continuity. 

Lukas Aarnio receiving a Recognition Award at Teräsrakennepäivä, organized by the Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association.

Automating truss joint calculations inside SCIA Engineer 

The final solution uses model data already available in SCIA and performs the required checks automatically. This removed the need to switch between programs and reduced manual data handling. Validation against earlier Excel-based results confirmed that the method worked as intended. A process that previously took four hours could now be completed in about five minutes. Automating the inputs also lowers the risk of manual errors, improves consistency between designers and supports large projects where many similar joints must be checked systematically. 

The tool is already part of Nordec’s design workflow and has supported several ongoing projects. According to Nordec supervisor Rickard Nybacka, the cooperation benefits both the company and the student. “Automating this workflow removes repetitive steps and supports consistent results across projects. Thesis cooperation gives students a chance to work with real engineering challenges while producing tools we can apply directly in our design work.” 

This reflects Nordec’s approach to practical development. Thesis projects are linked to real engineering needs, giving students experience with industry-level challenges and contributing solutions that support the wider organization. 

Lukas’s thesis received a Recognition Award at Teräsrakennepäivä, the annual event organized by the Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association. For him, the recognition confirmed the relevance of the topic. “It showed that automation in structural engineering is an important theme and that improving everyday workflows matters,” he says. 

The cooperation around this thesis shows how practical development work can lead to tools that genuinely support daily design tasks. The result is a small but measurable improvement that is already in use and continues to benefit project teams. Nordec will keep focusing on digital solutions that strengthen this kind of everyday efficiency in steel construction. 

More about Teräsrakenneyhdistys and Scia Engineer.

Career opportunities at Nordec.

 

 

Modern commercial property by Nordec

Summer 2026 opportunities at Nordec

 

We have published our Summer 2026 pages, which introduce next summer’s trainee and summer employee opportunities at Nordec. The aim is to help students understand what the work is like before the specific roles are opened for applications.

The pages describe the areas where trainees usually work, including design, production and project environments. They give a realistic view of the tasks, tools and learning situations that have been common in previous trainee periods. Specific positions for 2026 will be published later, but students can already register their interest.

Opportunities for growth and development

At Nordec, trainees work with experienced colleagues on ongoing projects. You see how design, production and installation progress in practice and how different teams depend on each other’s work. The trainee period helps you build technical skills and understand the routines and responsibilities in everyday project work.

Nordec develops its operations with a focus on quality, collaboration and safe working environments. These principles shape how trainee periods are organised, including supervision, task planning and site practices. The goal is to give students a clear and structured entry into the field.

Explore the new pages to learn more about the Summer 2026 opportunities.

More about Nordec as a company.

Nordec Peräseinäjoki office building with glass exterior in sunlight

Summer in procurement at Nordec

Eero-Antti Kuittinen spent this summer as a summer procurement trainee at Nordec in the subcontracting team at the Peräseinäjoki office. Alongside his role, he is studying Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Oulu.

What made you apply for a summer job at Nordec?
The international nature of the company’s operations caught my interest. I also wanted to see how the topics I study are applied in practice, and Nordec offered a good opportunity for that. The location of the Peräseinäjoki office was also a plus, as I am originally from Ilmajoki.

What kind of tasks have you done during the summer?
I have handled a variety of procurement tasks in the subcontracting team, including processing and receiving orders, preparing procurement documentation and researching potential new suppliers. Over the summer I have also tested my problem-solving skills and learned a lot of new things.

Nordec trainee standing at an vast office with sunlight hitting green plants in the background

What have you learned that could be useful in your future studies and career?
I have learned a lot about using different systems, which will certainly be useful in the future. I have also gained insight into how supply chain management and project scheduling are carried out in practice. In addition, I have developed my communication skills, especially in an international environment.

How would you describe the team you have worked in?
The team I have worked with has been very helpful and encouraging. I have received support and guidance whenever needed and have been well included in the team. The atmosphere has been pleasantly relaxed yet efficient.

What have you especially appreciated about your time here?
I have especially valued the responsibility I have been given and the real opportunity to learn through practical work. This has given me the feeling that my contribution has been meaningful. In addition, continuous support from supervisors and colleagues has played a big role and made this summer procurement trainee Nordec experience a very positive one.

We at Nordec thank Eero-Antti for his contribution over the summer and wishes him success in his continued studies in Industrial Engineering and Management.

You can read more about people at Nordec from our career pages here!

More Nordec news here!

Nordec project in Keilaniemi, Espoo

From Trainee to Pro at Nordec

At Nordec, we value our employees as our most important asset. Our culture is built on the principles of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning. We strive to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. 

From Trainee to Pro at Nordec

Matts Lehtinen, a Site Foreman Trainee at Nordec, shares his insights into his journey at Nordec. Matts is in his final year of studying construction engineering at the Novia University of Applied Sciences and has a background primarily in roof construction projects. He applied to Nordec in the spring of 2024 to seize the opportunity for learning and growth.

“The onboarding process at Nordec was thorough and well-structured, which helped me quickly get up to speed with the company’s standards and practices, focusing on site management,” says Matts. One of the challenges he faced was the need to rapidly acquire new knowledge. However, by dedicating time to learning and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, he found the support invaluable.

 Nordec trainee Matts Lehtinen by the seaNordec trainee Matts Lehtinen on site

Nordec significantly contributed to Matts’ professional development by providing hands-on experience with key projects. “The training programs have also been invaluable in enhancing my skills and knowledge,” he notes. The work culture at Nordec is exemplary, with experienced coworkers who are always willing to share their knowledge and assist. Matts appreciates the teamwork and the company’s emphasis on quality and safety.

Overall, Matts says his experience at Nordec has been extremely positive. He has grown both professionally and personally. For those considering applying to Nordec, Matts advises being proactive in seeking learning opportunities and embracing the collaborative culture. “Nordec is an excellent place to develop a career in the construction industry, and I highly recommend gaining on-site experience, if possible,” he concludes.

More about Summer 2025 opportunities at Nordec!

Read more about us at Nordec

Summer 2025 opportunities at Nordec

We have published our Summer 2025 -pages dedicated to next summer’s opportunities at Nordec. 

The new pages provide comprehensive information about the various roles available for the summer of 2025, including for example a Site Foreman Trainee position and a Structural Design Trainee role. They offer insights into the roles and responsibilities, as well as the professional development opportunities at Nordec. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and sustainability. 

Opportunities for Growth and Development 

At Nordec, we support our talent and provide employees with the tools they need to succeed. We offer practical experience and professional development in a supportive and engaging environment. Trainees will have the opportunity to work on real projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gain valuable insights into the industry. 

Nordec is committed to sustainability and innovation in all aspects of our business. We strive to create a work environment that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our values reflect our dedication to these principles and guide our actions and decisions.  

Explore these new pages in English and Finnish to learn more about the summer 2025 opportunities available with us. 

Summer 2025

Kesä 2025

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