Unlock performance through competence with Valmet Learning Services

While not a scientific measure, experienced mill professionals hold the view that technology accounts for only about one third of a mill’s performance; the remaining two thirds depend on the competence of the people operating the hardware. Investing in skills development is therefore one of the most impactful decisions a mill can make.

“Today, as mills face retirements, new talent entering the industry, and rapidly evolving technologies, the need for structured competence development keeps growing. Valmet’s Learning Services bring diverse skill-building solutions into one clear portfolio, making it easier for our customers to strengthen the capabilities that keep their operations reliable and efficient,” says Timo Harjunpää, Senior Manager at Valmet.

“Whether it’s a new line start-up or a long-running mill adapting to change, our learning solutions help reduce downtime, enhance performance, and secure know-how for the future,” Harjunpää adds.

Building a learning journey together

Valmet’s Learning Services portfolio is built on customer feedback and combines proven solutions developed over the years with new, forward-looking applications. The approach is closely aligned with Valmet’s lifecycle strategy, supporting competence development across every stage of our customers operations.

Competence building isn’t a one-time event – it’s a continuous journey tailored to each customer. We always start by identifying the customer’s needs and then build the learning path together for different roles. It can include methods such as online learning, classroom sessions, or hands-on training – often overlapping and evolving as the mill’s needs change over time,” explains Riikka Enstedt, Product Specialist, Learning Services at Valmet.

Learning journey development process

The portfolio also includes two unique solutions, Valmet Virtual Mill and Valmet Training Simulator. The Virtual Mill is an immersive 360° digital twin that replicates the exact machinery and facility layout, allowing operators and maintenance personnel to prepare for various operational and maintenance scenarios across all service areas. The Training Simulator enables safe testing and practice of challenging process situations – helping teams build confidence and competence before facing them in real production.

“Whatever the learning method – online training, classroom or hands-on training, Valmet Virtual Mill or Valmet Training Simulator – the content is always designed to meet the needs of different target groups, from management to machine operators and maintenance personnel,” Enstedt notes.

Valmet Virtual Mill is an immersive 360° digital twin of your exact machinery and mill layout, enabling faster start-ups, safer shutdowns and continuous maintenance training

Valmet Learning Agreement is a partnership for competence development

By developing their competences through Valmet Learning Services, board and paper mills achieve faster onboarding and skill development, improved operational performance, safer and more reliable operations, stronger knowledge retention and transfer, and readiness for future technologies and workforce changes.

To get the most out of your learning journey, we recommend choosing the Valmet Learning Agreement. It is a tailored solution that provides a structured and continuous approach to competence development throughout the machine lifecycle. It can include all areas of Valmet Learning Services portfolio – combined in the way that best fits each customer’s situation,” Enstedt says.

Customer’s voice says it all

Before developing the comprehensive Learning Services portfolio, Valmet had already delivered thousands of hours of training to board and paper customers worldwide. The portfolio builds on those experiences and the valuable feedback received over the years

“We’ve provided training for many new line start-ups – in classroom settings, virtual mill environments, and through online courses for hundreds of customers. With many, we’ve built long-lasting partnerships focusing on learning,” Enstedt notes.

One example is a European customer operating new and existing paper lines. Valmet provided a tailored learning program combining digital and hands-on training to close competence gaps and support long-term mill performance. The delivery included skill mapping for maintenance personnel, role-based training planning, flexible online learning modules, classroom sessions, and practical hands-on training to achieve world class maintenance standards.

“As a result, the customer now has highly competent teams, world class maintenance practices, strong process understanding, and improved production reliability with fewer unplanned shutdowns – all achievements to be proud of and definitely worth the investment,” Enstedt concludes.

Through continuous learning, tailored agreements, and proven digital tools, Valmet helps board and paper makers build the skills that keep their operations safe, efficient, and ready for the future – every day, throughout the lifecycle. Discover how competence can be turned into lasting performance and contact Valmet today.