Careers get off to a start with work experience
The problem of rising youth unemployment is a hot topic across Europe. This topic is also important to logistics manager Petri Koskinen.
“Young people are our future. They are suffering hugely due to unemployment, so it’s great to be able to help them.”
Petri works for Miraculos Oy, which manufactures and imports products for the hairdressing sector; well-known product lines include Four Reasons, No nothing, Very Sensitive, Color Mask and Paul Mitchell. In November 2015, the company recruited a young jobseeker for a two-month spell of work experience in its Metsälä warehouse. Petri says that the experience has been highly positive.
“We have been really pleased with our young recruit. We are now offering a longer employment contract.”
The jobseeker was found through the Helsinki Ohjaamo project, which helps young people with employment-related issues, for example.
“Our cooperation with Ohjaamo has been excellent; they have actively kept in touch throughout the process and stayed up to date with how things are going. We will be delighted to continue collaborating with them! ”
A host of cooperation opportunities
Miraculos Oy is a veteran in helping the disadvantaged to find work: for several years, the company has been cooperating with the Niemikoti Foundation in providing rehabilitation services for Helsinki residents who suffer from mental illness. People recovering from mental health problems have been engaged in activities such as sticking product labels onto Miraculos Oy’s products and putting together campaign packs. Petri Koskinen also coordinates this activity.
“Cooperation is beneficial to both of us. We get the help we need, while those recovering from mental health problems can test their ability to manage at work in a safe community, prior to studies or work experience. We are highly satisfied with their work.”
Petri wants to encourage other businesses to display social responsibility.
“Helping out is important nowadays.”
An international and safe Helsinki
Petri describes himself as “100% Helsinki” and could never imagine moving out of the city. He believes that Helsinki is developing in many positive directions.
“Helsinki is continuously becoming more international, with more interesting cafés and restaurants. I like the fact that it is still very safe while making this transition.”
Petri also has a few wishes for the future.
“I hope that the city remains safe enough for children to move around freely. It is also very important that we turn the economy around. I hope that the liberalisation of shop-opening hours has a positive effect on this. Longer opening hours may also enable shops to offer more work experience places.”
Text and picture: Piia Raitavuo
Kim Lautamo chose Petri Koskinen as the maker of the Helsinki of the future.
