Power networks technician, regional coordinator

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a technician and regional coordinator in an electricity network company. I am responsible for the maintenance and construction of the electricity network mainly in the areas of Ähtäri, Töysä and Keuruu. My tasks include overseeing work, drawing up work plans, purchasing supplies, and customer service.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I started my general upper secondary school studies on an art-oriented line, but realised quite quickly that it was not the right choice for me. However, I did not want to drop out of general upper secondary school altogether, but I needed more practical work alongside theoretical studies. I ended up with completing two qualifications at the same time. I have always been interested in technology, so I chose electrical engineering as my vocational studies. I thought the work would be tidy, light enough, and that it includes extensive opportunities for specialisation.

Describe your typical working day or week.

My workday can include drawing a completed electricity network on a map, for example. The day often also includes customer service in matters related to the electricity network. I also check that there are enough supplies in the warehouse and, if necessary, I will order more. Sometimes I guide working groups, coordinate work tasks, and look after the condition of tools and vehicles.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I mainly work in the office, but sometimes I also go out in the field. After strong storms, I repair electricity grids outdoors, around the clock. Usually, my job starts at 7.30 a.m. and ends at 4.00 p.m.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

This type of task requires training in electric engineering and the ability to take safety-related issues into account. You also need to be meticulous and systematic, have good problem-solving skills and be flexible, as situations can change rapidly. The desire to learn new things is also essential. Good teamwork skills and empathy towards your co-workers and customers are valuable qualities when working together with others.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of my profession is having great opportunities develop myself in my own field. The work involves a suitable proportion of variation and routine tasks.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

The challenges of the work of a power networks technician include storms that knock down trees on power lines and cause extensive damage to the power grid. Repairing these requires both physical and mental durability from the technicians. Work is carried out outdoors regardless of weather conditions, which makes the work more challenging.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a sustainability manager?

You need mathematical skills and interest in technology in the electrical engineering sector. It is also important to enjoy practical work. This field offers versatile opportunities, and there is certainly something suitable for everyone.

How do you see the future of your profession?

New tasks are constantly emerging in the electrical industry. In the future, especially the maintenance and development of the electricity networks, renewable energy solutions, batteries and data centres will employ many. Renovations of the electrical systems of real property, automation solutions for housing, electric cars and their charging systems, and factory and industrial automation also increase the need for experts in the field. In other words, there will certainly be plenty of work in the electrical industry in the future.