Valmet takes part in new type of internship program

Valmet is introducing a new type of internship. From August to October 2016, Valmet will welcome five new interns as part of the Business Lead 2016 program, which aims to introduce and integrate educated asylum seekers into Finnish working life. The program is delivered in partnership with Hanken School of Economics.  

40 program participants and 40 company partners

The program is for educated asylum seekers who are looking to take their first steps in Finnish working life. The target of the program is to provide participants with an understanding of Finnish/European business life, basic rights and obligations, as well as business skills and concrete tools to function effectively in a variety of roles. The program also aims to empower participants to integrate into Finnish working life in a way that is meaningful for them.

Altogether 40 asylum seekers from 10 different countries will participate in the program which is sponsored by 40 Finnish companies. Some companies offer an internship for asylum seekers as well as support program financially, and some companies sponsor the program only financially. Valmet is one of the main partners of the program.

"I look forward to welcoming our five new interns in the autumn. Programs like Business Lead 2016 offer companies the opportunity to utilize available skills, support the integration of asylum seekers in Finland, and benefit from new ideas and experiences by the interns. I am happy to see that so many Finnish companies are participating in the program and look forward to seeing how Valmet and our new interns can learn together and from each other," says Julia Macharey, SVP of Human Resources at Valmet.

From cultural induction to business internship

Business Lead 2016 consists of four modules focused on

• Finnish and European business landscape and organizational culture
• Strategic leadership
• Finance
• Sales and service mindset

The modules will be supported by an online learning platform and assignments as well as a two-month internship with one of the company partners. Onboarding will be supported by mentoring sessions organized by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.

Valmet will host five program participants in its locations in Finland. More information on the locations and assignments will be announced in Flow in August.