Tampere City's summer workers gain valuable work experience for the future

During the summer, Haapalainen has been working on her own project to study shade and thermal conditions in school and kindergarten playgrounds. This project is particularly topical in view of the increasingly hot summers.

– This work is not just about sitting at a computer. I get to study sites that are intrinsically linked to architectural work.

After her studies, Haapalainen hopes to go straight into the world of work and build up her architectural experience. Starting his own business could also be a possibility in the future.

– Designing and building your own home is usually an architect's dream, but it hasn't yet become a dream for me, laughs Haapalainen.

Working in a café gives self-confidence and the confidence to learn

Enni Suihko, who works in the café at the Sara Hildén Art Museum, tightens the day shade on the terrace in case of wind. Luckily, her summer job hasn't been as windy, and the days at the café have passed pleasantly with a good team. Suihko has previous experience of working in a café and has learned a lot of new things at Cafe Sara.

- I had never baked at work before, and working alone was also a bit nervous at first, says Enni Suihko.

Suihko sent out many summer job applications, especially in the restaurant sector, and finally Sara Hilden's café offered a summer job.

– I put a lot of effort into this application. I got an interview through a cancellation and the next day I heard about my selection.

Suihko moved from Joensuu to Tampere for a change of scenery and graduated as a restaurateur from Tampere University of Applied Sciences in 2023. Today, Suihko is studying sustainability in Forssa.

She is interested in the environmental sector as a whole, and related topics such as water resources and green spaces in urban planning.

– Once a summer, I have been to Patvinsuo in Suomunjärvi in eastern Finland, and I found myself taking the importance of nature for well-being and mental health for granted, adds Suihko.

The sustainability studies will continue for another year in Forssa, after which the training will change to a multi-modal education. Suihko hopes to stay in Tampere, and she will take a lot away from her current summer job.

– I've gained confidence and assurance in my own learning abilities, even though a few things made me nervous at the beginning, says Suihko.

Physical outdoor work is a good counterbalance to studying

Eemeli Koivuniemi, who manages the outdoor sports facilities in Kauppi, is in his third summer as a summer worker for the city. Graduation from his teacher studies is looming next year, and this summer Koivuniemi moved from Ratina to Kauppi's sports fields.

– Working days vary. In the morning, the day's events are reviewed, and the day's work is planned accordingly. Then, of course, there are running errands, such as mowing the lawn and maintaining the pitches, says Eemeli Koivuniemi.

Koivuniemi has previous experience in agriculture and real estate, so he is no stranger to the machinery involved in maintaining outdoor sports facilities. It was precisely this experience that made the summer job possible.

– The job was openly advertised through Kuntarekry, and the necessary know-how was already in place.

In practice, the work is done in morning and evening shifts, and the large outdoor sports fields in Kauppi are usually worked with a partner. The physical outdoor work has provided a good counterbalance to studying and, according to Koivuniemi, the work team has also added an important element to the workload. However, the weather understandably affects his work ethic.

– The best thing is good weather, when you can drive on the lawn with your headphones on in peace and quiet. But when it rains, clearing in deep forest is not so nice, laughs Koivuniemi.