My name is Bettiina, a 16-year-old from Ylikiiminki. I’m starting sixth form in Oulu this autumn and moving into my own place, so I thought it would be sensible and useful to earn some money over the summer to help me get started with my new life.
How did the recruitment process go?
Applying to Mammut wasn’t my original plan. I got the idea when I saw an advert for summer jobs here. It sounded so easy – and it was the hope and encouragement this gave me that made me decide to apply.
Campaigns similar to this summer jobs project organised by Mammutti and Nuorten Ystävät would be an immense help in tackling the current ‘epidemic’ of labour shortages in society, and it would be great if other companies could also consider a similar approach, particularly when it comes to providing summer employment for young people. This is especially true now, as we know that many young people – and even adults – are finding it harder than usual to secure summer jobs. I myself had trouble finding a summer job anywhere throughout the spring, until I heard about this opportunity. When I did hear about it, I simply had to seize the chance.
An approach like this would certainly encourage even the more timid young people to apply, and would bring about a major change in society. It’s also really important to gain experience of working life and different sectors, which is exactly what you need when applying for jobs. You can work much more comfortably and confidently when you’ve been properly trained. Especially as it’s surprisingly common that, in many places, when you’re applying for a job, you might be told you lack work experience.
Before my first day at Mammut, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from my workplace, the experience ahead of me or my job duties. I’d actually known about the company since I was little, and I’d even visited it when I was at primary school. Still, not knowing what the job would involve made me a bit nervous. The sector and the tasks involved had never really interested me, so I didn’t immediately expect the best. To be honest, I didn’t even know what sort of work you could do in sectors like this, or what they might involve.
Summer work placement
Right from my very first day, however, my nerves were eased by how relaxed the staff were. The atmosphere at work is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever worked. I don’t feel any unnecessary pressure or stress, and everyone is really approachable and open. They’re very receptive to all our ideas and don’t try to downplay our opinions. It opened my eyes to just how important the atmosphere is, as well as having supportive and reliable colleagues. The employers’ friendliness and kindness made the work considerably more enjoyable and easier to cope with.
Another big thing was that we weren’t deprived of fun or the freedom we needed, even whilst we were at work. That in itself gives you self-confidence, trust and even enthusiasm. Thanks to that, we didn’t have to feel anxious, irritated or annoyed in the evenings about having to go to work the next morning. My other summer work colleagues have also brought this up amongst ourselves, which just goes to show the positive impact it has on our working lives. We also had the chance to have a say in our own tasks, which was a relief for many of us, myself included.
There was definitely a strong focus on safety, and it was managed very well and responsibly. I must also mention how efficiently and professionally the work is carried out at Mammut.
Reflections on the experience
My work experience was definitely positive and educational. It has always been a major and significant thing for me to genuinely learn and experience new things. That’s exactly what Mammutti gave me. I feel I’ve learnt a great deal, including some completely new things, through my work tasks and by observing how the work is done. Things ranging from basic painting to factory work, clearing and planting, and marketing tasks. So it’s safe to say that there are plenty of different jobs on offer for summer workers too. All in all, looking back, I’m really grateful, and I’ve been left with a positive impression of both this unfamiliar sector and Mammutti.
