Erkki Räsänen, Welder
I am Erkki Räsänen, I started working at Outokummun Metalli in 2021, and my role since then has been manual welding of small parts. I ended up in the metal industry after looking for a new direction in my career following a long music career. I place great value on jobs that require manual skills, so transitioning into this field felt like a natural choice for me.
Perhaps Finland’s most unusual career path
After winning the Tangomarkkinat competition in 2001, I spent almost 15 years working in music and theater full-time. However, I started craving a more stable rhythm in life, less travel, and wanted to work in a field where craftsmanship was more visible. Before switching to the metal industry, I attended a few months of timber construction training. My first profession before my music career was as a sign language interpreter, and I worked in that field for four years.
I have built my skills in the metal industry through adult education and recruitment training, starting in 2014, and I graduated as a welder. I am a great example that a single career can include many different professions if you’re willing to study and take bold steps into new fields.
Welding skills require long-term development
I have enjoyed working at Outokummun Metalli, as the employer invests in working conditions and safety and truly listens to employees’ development ideas. In my job, attention to detail, persistence, and precision are key. There can be no compromises on the quality of welding, and being able to evaluate the work you’ve done is important. With the advent of new technologies and methods, it’s crucial to continuously develop your skills, and the employer supports this. To those at the start of their careers, I emphasize the importance of patience: developing skills takes time, and it’s worth continually refining your methods throughout your career.
Construction and music still part of my life
In my free time, I often have timber construction projects ongoing. Music is still a big part of my life, and I perform regularly.
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