Aleksi’s summer at the biorefinery has been eventful and informative. “I set one goal for the summer, and that was to be hired to the biorefinery,” Aleksi explains. The energy industry is familiar to the soon-to-be Bachelor of energy technology from LUT University.” I spent my last summer working for Fortum. I was drawn to the maintenance work since it seemed interesting and based on that I looked for new challenges. That is in short how I got here,” Aleksi explains why he applied for the job. Aleksi felt that his studies, together with his work experience would set a good foundation to succeed in the job. “And once I got the position, I reached my goal,” Aleksi sums up and laughs.
When it comes to Aleksi’s future, his studies will keep him in Lappeenranta for two more years. Originally from Janakkala, he has settled well in Lappeenranta and enjoys the city especially during summertime. In his free time, Aleksi is volunteering at the fire department. He also enjoys spending his time fixing cars. “After my studies, I have to ponder on if I accept the place at the aviation academy, where I have already been admitted to,” Aleksi says about his plans for the future.
The versatile job of a mechanical maintenance supervisor
Aleksi describes his job multifaceted. “Overall, I supervise different projects and oversee and coordinate maintenance work. Also, it includes monitoring work permits, work planning and supervising and ordering vendors. In addition, I support and fill in where needed.” Furthermore, if there are any faults, investigating them thoroughly is part of Aleksi’s job, as well as creating work-specific risk analyses. Aleksi has enjoyed a working environment where no day is like another. “Naturally, acute matters often go ahead, but usually the work can be scheduled in peace and systematically.”
Aleksi highlights that he has gotten a well-planned orientation. Introduction is especially important in the biorefinery, where safety is the main priority and Aleksi explains how the responsibility of the orientation has been divided to different experts. The orientation includes matters from cleanliness to governmental matters and from safe working practices to biorefinery specific process knowledge. “The orientation here continues throughout the whole summer,” Aleksi observes.
UPM biorefinery as a workplace
Aleksi has enjoyed both the workplace and the community. “Especially enjoyable is the fact that safety is taken into account in everything,” Aleksi shares. “The attitude towards safety can be seen as a part of everyday work, and overall, it is taken very seriously here at UPM.” Aleksi has felt that he is an equal member of the work community. “I have felt welcome from day one. Also, the atmosphere here is great, and support is given always when needed.”
Besides a supportive atmosphere, Aleksi mentions that the biorefinery is crowded with competent professionals. “I have noted that there are passionate people here who wants to develop this business further overall- which is truly inspiring.” With this Aleksi means that development at UPM is not only planning something new, but also how the biorefinery can be enhanced on different levels.
When asked if Aleksi would recommend working as a mechanical maintenance supervisor at UPM biorefinery, he nods. “I would recommend this especially to those, who wants challenges and further expand their expertise.”
Text: Ella Ekholm
Picture: Ville Vauhkonen