2001
I am a gardener by education and completed a secondary school diploma as a double degree.
2004–2005
I did military service and was discharged as a reserve lieutenant.
2006–2024
I worked for the City of Helsinki, Stara, in various positions over the years: as a park gardener, in the city garden working in greenhouses, as an arborist (with an apprenticeship contract alongside work, graduated in 2008). In the winters I worked in snow plowing, salting and sanding as a machine or truck driver. The last 8 years I have been a driver all year round.
In the spring of 2023, I took a study leave and started my plumbing studies (basic degree in building technology) at Taitotalo in Pitäjänmäki. I graduated in October-24 and was able to continue directly into working life at my internship at Vesijohodilike J. Laitisen (part of the QMG group)
Qualifications: Hot work card, occupational safety card, EA courses regularly
What is the best thing about your job?
Since I was a child, I have been interested in how things work. The same applies to houses. Although I have not necessarily known the term building services, my eyes have always been drawn to pipes, wires and structures, as well as the aesthetics of buildings and architecture in general. The plumbing industry has pleasantly surprised me with its versatility and how closely the different areas of building services are linked to each other. In this profession, you are never done: the buildings you work in can range from those built in the 1800th century to brand new ones. In these, you come across all kinds of technical solutions from different decades.
What are your three main job duties?
I work in the maintenance sector, i.e. various repair and installation jobs on a wide scale. The main tasks include basic installations, for example replacing a tap or sink. Pressure washing and cleaning drains are common tasks. Work done in pairs is, for example, replacing a hot water heater or bleeding a radiator network.
How did you end up in the industry?
Before retraining, I worked for the City of Helsinki for over 18 years. Most of my time was spent working behind the wheel of various machines and trucks. In the winter, I worked plowing and most of the work was done at night. The heavy night work combined with family life made me consider changing careers. A friend suggested training as a plumber and after thinking about it for a while, I went that route – this is what it’s like to work in the industry. I really like the practicality of the work and the fact that you can really use your brain in these jobs.
What are you particularly proud of in your work?
I visit people's homes almost every day and that requires good social skills. I would think I'm pretty good at this. Of course, I still have quite a bit of experience in the field, but I'm good at applying the knowledge and skills I've acquired earlier in life. My problem-solving skills have helped me in many ways in my short career so far.
What qualities are beneficial in your job?
This job is good for those who are careful and calm, have strong technical thinking, reasoning skills and good social skills. Moderate physical fitness is an advantage, as the work places are often cramped and in difficult locations. Sometimes you also have to lift heavy things.
Vesijohtoliike J. Laitinen
Vesijohtoliike J. Laitinen is a plumbing and heating maintenance and repair company established in 1998 in the Helsinki metropolitan area. We have fun and do a variety of work in a good spirit with over 30 employees. Our interesting projects are guaranteed to provide a challenge even for experienced plumbing professionals. Vesijohtoliike J. Laitinen Company is part of the QMG network, which enables cooperation and career opportunities with other companies in the network.
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QMG, or Quattro Mikenti Group, is a building services group that provides building services contracting and building services services for residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, both in new construction and renovation. The group consists of almost 50 local contracting and maintenance companies throughout Finland and employs over 1500 building services professionals. QMG's success is based on the work of people who are skilled in their profession and enthusiastic about their tasks.
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