Tag: Peräseinäjoki

Welder working on steel frame

Welding training strengthens Nordec’s team in Peräseinäjoki

As demand for skilled professionals continues in the construction and steel industry, welding training at Nordec’s Peräseinäjoki factory has become a proactive way to recruit and develop talent. A programme launched in the autumn of 2024 has delivered promising results, with seven of the eight participants now working in production roles.

Welding training at Nordec’s Peräseinäjoki factory

The programme was closely aligned with day-to-day factory work, and the transition from the classroom to full-time responsibilities was smooth. Participants said the skills and tasks covered during training matched what they now do in production. Experienced colleagues have provided support when needed.

“Everyone has been very helpful, and it’s been easy to ask for guidance,” says Sameli Rintala, who joined Nordec after working in the forest industry and looking for more stable employment closer to home.

Production Manager Janne Kivelä says commitment and development are clear across the production floor and the learning curve has been excellent. Participants joined their teams right after training and kept learning through hands-on experience. Kivelä believes this has worked better than a traditional approach. “The programme has proven to be the most effective way to recruit new employees into production.”

Another participant, Juhana Kallioniemi, came to the programme with a background in warehouse logistics and a welding qualification but no prior work experience in the field. “I had studied welding before, but this was a good opportunity to refresh my skills and actually start working in the field,” he says.

 

Production Manager Kivelä with new welders Kallioniemi and Rintala.

 

Results and next steps for the Peräseinäjoki team

For Rintala, the training also opened doors to wider responsibilities. He says he practiced the tasks for a few weeks and now takes on extra duties such as programming and shift monitoring when needed. Supervisors have noticed the progress as well. “There has been direct feedback that it has gone well. The next step is to introduce more challenges so that development continues. It has been impressive to watch the growth over just one year,” says Kivelä.

At the start of the summer holiday season, some new employees substituted in other roles to gain experience and support daily operations. Kivelä points out that this flexibility has strengthened the unit. “Productivity and quality have improved, and teamwork across the unit has become stronger.”

The one-year anniversary meeting confirmed that the model works. Both employees and management gave positive feedback. The training structure will stay the same, with the next programme already planned for later. The model is also being considered for other Nordec locations facing similar recruitment needs.

“The production teams deserve particular thanks. The entire factory organisation has gone out of its way to provide help and support,” Kivelä adds.

You can read more about the programme here.

Have a look at career opportunities at Nordec.

Welder at Nordec production facility

Forging the Future: Nordec’s Welder Training Program

Nordec, as a leading provider of complex steel structure solutions, is committed to optimizing the entire value chain for its customers, from design and manufacturing to installation. To address the challenge of recruiting skilled welders directly into the company, we initiated our own welder training program.  

The need for an in-house welder training program arose from the challenge in finding ready-to-work welders. Planning for the training program began at the start of 2024, with an initial schedule, resources, and cost estimates. By March, we partnered with Biisoni, a staffing service, to explore different models for the training. By the end of April, Biisoni had launched the recruitment for the paid welder training program. Tarhill Production Oy, a training expert, was also brought on board to manage the training structure, interviews, and monitoring of trainees’ progress. 

Students at Nordec's welder training program Welder training students in Peräseinäjoki

Nordec’s welder training program was initially set to start in August with six selected candidates. However, due to the high interest, with 133 applications received and 19 candidates interviewed, the number of trainees was increased to eight. The training duration ranged from one to two months, depending on the individual’s skills. 

The training facility was equipped with welding stations and other necessary training setups. The training program included practical exercises, welding qualification tests, and theoretical sessions. 

Internal resources played a significant role in the training.  The program started in mid-August and quickly gained momentum due to the high motivation of the participants. The first five trainees were hired to work at the beginning of October, followed by the other three within a month. All participants successfully completed the training, and their on-the-job training continues with their mentors. 

The course trainer, installer-welder Jari Paski, is very impressed with the quality of the students: “They have shown excellent motivation to be here and learn. Our students are a well-selected group, enthusiastic and eager to work.” Paski has overseen the practical training portion of the students and sees the content of the training program as well-structured and of good quality. 

Niilo Lahdensuo saw Nordec’s course online and couldn’t pass up the opportunity: “I worked in the food industry and wanted to change fields. I did have some experience in metalwork, but no formal training. This seemed too good to be true: paid training with a guaranteed job at the end of it in a good company.” He says the process was efficient: “In under a month from applying, I was selected. The training itself was diverse, realistic, and high quality, firstly focusing on theory and then gradually moving toward practical training. We had our own welding facilities and constant guidance, first from our trainer and later, when we started working in production, from a senior work partner.” 

 

A trainer and a student at the welder training program

Trainer Jari Paski and trainee Niilo Lahdensuo

  

Nordec’s welder training program has been very successful, contributing to the company’s workforce development and operational capacity. The production staff have been a great asset in sharing their expertise with future Nordec professionals. The program’s success highlights Nordec’s dedication to continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring skilled and motivated employees for the future. 

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