On a new career path – Andrei with an apprenticeship contract to become a logistics professional
The principle of continuous improvement requires continuous competence development. The strategic partnership between the Logistikas Group and Länsirannikon koulutus Ltd WinNova guarantees mutual development. As one example of this, Andrei Ahonen is currently completing a professional degree in Service Logistics with an apprenticeship contract. At Logistikas it is possible for him to create a new career path.
Lakari's logistics center is bustling with activity. Logistikas' unit is living in a fast-paced spring, which is turning into an equally busy summer. Andrei Ahonen drives the forklift into the parking lot and sits down at the conference table.
Unit manager Sari Pihlajaniemi and WinNova's logistics service expert and lecturer Piia Ristilä have also gathered at the same table. They both play an important role in Ahonen's education.
Ahonen is currently studying for a professional degree in Service Logistics with an apprenticeship contract. He started his studies in February 2023 and graduation is looming at the end of 2024.
”Together with the work ability coach, we pondered which field I would study. I have previous experience in logistics, and the field has always interested me. I was in contact with Logistikas and we decided that I would complete a professional degree alongside the work,” says Ahonen.
"This is a good way, because now I can focus and learn about both work and studies."
With the versatile job description, practical lessons are learned every day. As a rule, the weeks are divided so that Ahonen works for four days at Logistikas either in Rauma's Lakari or Pori units, and studies one day either in classroom teaching or independently.
”The studies are built based on my own interests. This is a good way, because now I can focus and learn about both work and studies. Working in different units brings interesting variety to the work.”
A step from training to working life
This is a new kind of cooperation in Logistikas’ and WinNova’s strategic partnership that has been going on for several years, because in the past similar studies have focused on basic degrees in the field of logistics and the learning that takes place in the work environment.
”Andrei completes three different parts of the degree, i.e. professional degree in service logistics, management of the order delivery process, familiarization with the work and service logistics development work. The professional degree is individualized to his goals. The professional degree in service logistics is completed on the job with an apprenticeship contract," Ristilä explains.
"We get to see on a practical level what is happening in the logistics sector right now."
Logistikas currently employs a total of around 265 experts in ten different locations. Career paths are created in the Group, where motivated employees can advance their careers to new positions within the same employee.
”Studies are one of the best ways to get your foot in the door, and thus get a job either upon graduation or, like Andrei, through an apprenticeship contract. Many of our students have stayed to work for Logistikas after their internship or apprenticeship,” says Ristilä.
”We want to stick to the good factors. When Piia recommends a student to us, I can always trust that we will get a good person for the internship,” Pihlajaniemi adds.
Current and active learning
The service plan of the strategic partnership between Logistikas and WinNova has included strategically important points, which are being actively developed on both sides.
”We offer Logistikas the training they need so that they can maintain continuous learning. WinNova's students also get to know the operations of Logistikas' different units. This way students learn in the best possible internal logistics work environment,” says Ristilä.
”WinNova offers training according to our wishes. For example, during the current year, they will organize extensive training for the foremen of all our units to support their work and strengthen their skills," Pihlajaniemi says.
"Many of our students have stayed to work for Logistikas after their internship or apprenticeship."
Ristilä feels that a versatile operator in the logistics industry like Logistikas is a partner with whom expertise can be developed and expanded both for future workers as well as for those already in working life.
”We get to see on a practical level what is happening in the logistics sector right now both regionally, nationally and internationally. In addition, we see what kind of people are needed in the industry. Based on this information, we can modify and develop our own trainings,” says Ristilä.
