Collaboration between Kpedu and Boliden is shaping the region’s workforce
For over 50 years, Kpedu and Boliden Kokkola have worked together to bridge the gap between education and industry. In 2021, the pair formalised their collaboration with a partnership agreement to further enhance the development of educational solutions.
“Our goal with partnership agreements is to improve services and collaboration with companies. It enables joint planning with the company to deliver precise, tailored solutions and supports the retention and availability of skilled labour”, explains Mika Väisälä, Customer Relations Manager at Kpedu.
While Kpedu provides degree programmes that prepare students for employment, its Osuvakoulutus offers a variety of tailored trainings, card courses, consulting and certification programmes to enhance the skills of current employees.
“Kpedu understands our values, methods, and needs, which makes it easy to work together. As a bonus, working together has given us valuable pedagogical insights that we can use in our in-house training”, says Tiina Kastren, HR Specialist at Boliden.
Regular meetings ensure programmes stay up to date with the changing demands of the industry.
“We share our needs, and Kpedu adapts their offerings to meet them. It’s a collaborative process with tangible results”, says Boliden’s HR Business Partner Annele Heikkilä.
Internships and practical training are an integral part of the students’ education. By complementing the theoretical foundation provided at school, the programme ensures students acquire real-world experience in a hands-on setting.
“All vocational education is fundamentally based on workplace learning. The school offers theoretical education and small-scale practice, but genuine process skills are developed in the workplace. Our long-standing collaboration ensures smooth interaction between workplace mentors, teachers, and supervisors, with open channels for feedback throughout”, says Sanna Tuukkanen, Process Industry Qualification Manager at Kpedu.
The structure of Boliden’s internships offers students a progressive pathway to employment.
“We start with a short internship in autumn, followed by an extended internship and summer employment. This way, students can immerse themselves in the industry and grow into their roles. Our entire team welcomes them, guides their learning, and makes them feel like a part of the workplace”, explains Pasi Tuukkanen, Shift Supervisor at Boliden’s Electrolysis Department.
This structure and support creates a strong foundation for the students’ career development.
“Quality workplace mentoring makes a significant impact. When students receive good guidance, it resonates in their feedback and conversations”, adds Sanna Tuukkanen.
The collaboration benefits more than just Kpedu and Boliden. By aligning training with local industry needs, the partnership contributes to the vitality of the entire region by building a skilled workforce for the future.
“Our goal is to ensure a vibrant and stable business environment in the region. We focus on workforce planning and tailor our training programmes to support local industries”, Väisälä says.
Moreover, the collaboration boosts the appeal of industrial careers, particularly among younger generations.
“Our shared efforts have significantly enhanced the attractiveness of process industry jobs. This is critical for securing a steady pipeline of talent for years to come”, notes Sanna Tuukkanen.
As industries evolve, the collaboration between Kpedu, Osuvakoulutus and Boliden continues to adapt. Their shared vision focuses on building lifelong learning opportunities and sustainable career paths.
“We need to keep looking two steps ahead and be willing to experiment with new ideas. This ensures we remain competitive and future-ready”, says Heikkilä.
The partnership’s success stems from open dialogue and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Our aim is to train skilled professionals for the region, enable successful careers and support the growth of local businesses. There is strength in collaboration”, Väisälä concludes.
