Tuomas Kokkonen has been working at Heinola Sawmill Machinery for about a year now. What does Tuomas do at work and in his free time? Read his story to find out.
Tuomas was born and grew up in Juuka, where he completed comprehensive and upper secondary school. He continued his studies at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, where he studied mechanical engineering, focusing on automotive and heavy machinery engineering. During his studies, Tuomas spent a semester as an exchange student in Graz, Austria, where he made plenty of new friends and gained experience of international studies.
“Studying in Austria was a challenge since I was studying with master of science students and all the courses were in English,” Tuomas recalls. He graduated with a BEng in January 2022.
Career kicked off in a damage repair shop
Tuomas’ career kicked off through internships in the Incar damage repair shop chain, where he worked in the summers of 2020 and 2021 in Lahti and Heinola. During his summer job, he was already working as a supervisor and had the chance to continue as a permanent supervisor. Tuomas worked there until August 2023, when he joined Heinola Sawmill Machinery.
At Heinola Sawmill Machinery, Tuomas works as a mechanical design engineer. His work is diverse and varied, and he mainly designs things on the chipper side.
“When I started here, I immediately started developing the old chipper model and updated it with modern solutions, such as a motor chassis with linear guides,” says Tuomas.
Peaceful work environment and suitably sized workplace
In addition to mechanical design engineering, Tuomas’ job description includes supporting the HEINOLA service team in technical drawing matters. Besides him, the team includes three other designers. Tuomas likes working in Heinola because of its peacefulness.
“It’s less hectic here, and I can do my work in peace, which suits me well. Heinola Sawmill Machinery is a suitably sized workplace, with nice colleagues and where cooperation runs smoothly.”
Tuomas, who lives in Heinola, actively plays Counter Strike in his free time, which connects him to a large group of friends across Finland. In addition, he enjoys snowboarding in winter, jogging all year round, mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding in summer.
Tuomas’ work-life balance seems to be in good shape. Of course, no-one knows what the future holds, but Tuomas does not rule out further studies in his field. “Studying for a master’s in engineering is possible, and I could do it alongside work. But let’s take our time,” he says.
Tuomas Kokkonen
Mechanical Designer
tuomas.kokkonen@heinolasm.fi
