Tag: design

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.

Practical design experience for summer trainees at Nordec

What is it like to spend a summer working in structural design? Each summer, Nordec welcomes students to join different teams for hands-on experience in real projects. For Isa Jutila and Robin Knuts, who joined the design department in Vaasa, it meant gaining practical skills, contributing to ongoing projects, and becoming part of a professional team.

Starting out

Isa and Robin worked as design trainees at the Vaasa office in Finland. They first became familiar with Nordec during their studies.

Isa first came across Nordec in a Tekla Structures course at Novia UAS. “It sounded like a good opportunity to learn the program in a professional setting,” she says.

Robin learned about Nordec through other students at Aalto University. “Compared to other areas in construction, design has caught my interest the most. So applying for a trainee position here felt like the right step.”

Getting into the work

After an introduction period, both began working on project tasks such as 3D modelling, structural drawings and manufacturing drawings for elements including columns, beams, trusses and connection details.

This gave them a better understanding of how design connects to production. “One highlight was visiting the Peräseinäjoki factory,” Robin says. “Seeing the components we had modelled being manufactured helped connect everything.” Isa adds: “The factory visit gave a sense of the scale of the structures, which you do not fully get from drawings alone.”

Learning in practice

Isa says she became more confident using Tekla and gained insight into how classroom theory is applied in practice. “It helped me see the link between what we study and what actually happens in design work.”

Robin says he deepened his understanding of steel design and now feels more prepared for upcoming studies. “Everything from planning to dimensioning steel structures has been useful. It has motivated me to learn more, and it will make future studies more concrete.”

Students gaining practical experience in structural design at Nordec

Design summer trainees at Vaasa Nordec

The team effect 

Both describe the team environment in Vaasa as a key part of their experience.

“The atmosphere was positive and supportive,” Isa says. “Everyone was kind and helpful, and I always felt comfortable asking questions.” Robin agrees. “Everyone had the right knowledge and was willing to help. It made a big difference. A good team environment increases motivation, and I have experienced that first-hand.”

Looking back 

By the end of the summer, both agreed that the experience had been valuable. “I have learned a lot and felt like a valued part of the team,” Isa says. “The best part for me was the people and the knowledge I gained,” Robin adds.

Each summer, Nordec trainees like Isa and Robin gain hands-on experience, apply their studies to real projects and develop confidence working alongside experienced colleagues.

Applications for summer 2026 trainee positions will open in the spring. More about working at Nordec on our careers page.