Maija Väätäjä: The people and truly meaningful work have been the best aspects of Orion’s Phase1 trainee programme

I was given the opportunity to work as part of Orion’s Phase1 trainee programme during the summer. I have been a Phase1 trainee in the Operations Development team, which develops various operational functions on a project basis.

One of the best aspects of the trainee programme – and my team in particular – has been that you don’t have to, and are not expected to, know everything straight away.

I’m a second-year student of Industrial Management and Engineering at Turku University of Applied Sciences. My studies have provided me with good theoretical knowledge and useful tools, but at Orion I learned how to put things into practice.

Here I’ve been encouraged to develop and was given extensive induction training. I’ve had interesting assignments and time to learn, which helped me develop my skills and knowledge further during the summer.

My assignments during the summer have been meaningful and varied. I’ve been involved in, for example, 5S audits, cost analysis and line efficiency analysis.

I’ve been working in the Turku location, and assignments in Orion’s other locations in Salo and Espoo have brought nice variety. I’m also planning to visit the Kuopio plant before the end of the summer.

Orion believes in collaboration and this is reflected in various events organised for employees. During the summer, events are also organised for Phase1 trainees, along with mentoring in small groups.These are great opportunities to network with Orion employees.

The mentoring has provided the opportunity to discuss interesting topics with more experienced Orion employees and to get useful advice for our future careers.

Meeting wonderful new people and doing truly meaningful work have been the best aspects of working at Orion.

Best wishes,

Maija