Our nuclear experts

A motivated community of top experts

Elena Tomovska, Director for Project Management and Execution Department, had been working for Fortum for a few years before joining its nuclear business. The biggest driving force behind her career move was the expertise of people working within nuclear.

”Whenever we faced technical problems in our projects, we would always contact one of the nuclear experts. I was impressed by their competence and became very interested in working even closer with them.”

When the opportunity to join the nuclear business presented itself, Tomovska was happy to seize it. In her current role, she really has the chance to witness the skills of the top expert community up close.

On top of the expertise, Tomovska was drawn by the significant role nuclear power plays in enabling clean transition. The urge to use one’s professional skills to reduce emissions isn’t just a daily incentive for Tomovska; it also applies to Antti Lammela, Leading Senior Expert in Operation and Maintenance, and Hanna Tynys, Nuclear Newbuild Specialist.

”Both nuclear power and we working within nuclear play a key role in the clean transition. Alongside wind, hydro, and solar power, as well as the emerging hydrogen economy, we need stable forms of energy production, such as nuclear power,” says Lammela.

Solving a big problem brings a sense of meaning to Tynys’s work, too.

”The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our time. Nuclear power is a significant part of the toolbox we need to tackle this giant challenge.”

 

Room, support, and opportunities for growth

 

When Lammela, with 18 years of experience in nuclear power, applied for a job at Fortum around a year ago, he was aware of the large size of the company. Even so, the extent of the opportunities offered by Fortum took him by surprise.

”In my previous jobs everything focused on nuclear energy, but here there’s so much else, too. Of course, I knew beforehand that Fortum is much more than just the Loviisa nuclear power plant, but now that I’m finally inside, I see everything in a new light.”

Lammela enjoys the variety of different projects, for example the Nuclear Newbuild Feasibility Study, which explores the prerequisites of new nuclear in Finland and Sweden.

”I just look around here and think: ah, this is really exciting! This is a dream job for a nuclear energy expert.”

Tomovska, who moved from North Macedonia to study in Finland seven years ago, says that the opportunities offered by Fortum have played a huge role in her career.

”I’ve always been very career-oriented. Fortum gave me the opportunity to develop into the professional I always wanted to be. One could say that Fortum is one of the biggest, if not the main reason I’ve stayed in Finland.”

Tomovska also points out that Fortum is an international company with a culture, where everyone is just as valuable, regardless of their origin.

”I’m a living proof that Fortum truly is an international company: a Macedonian thriving and loving her everyday life at Fortum. The company has many policies promoting diversity, professional growth and overall well-being and that’s coupled with exciting variety of work tasks and opportunities. English is the official company language. I have always felt included and that I am a valued, contributing team member here.”

On top of career opportunities, Fortum also provides plenty of support for learning and career growth.

”We have a lot of absolutely necessary training, and the company is open to training in other aspects as well. The value of increasing competence to both the employee and the employer is acknowledged,” Lammela says.

Tynys has been able to take part in, for example, the Nordic Nuclear Trainee programme, which aims to develop industry knowledge. Although Tynys already had a few years of experience in the field, the programme taught her a lot.

”In addition to training, it’s been important to be able to work together with more experienced colleagues. I have found it easy to get involved in projects. Whenever I’ve found myself doubting my skills, my manager has been encouraging me by saying that I can do it and if I need help, I will get it.”

 

This article and photos are produced in collaboration with Duunitori. Article: Vilja Saikkonen.

Warm and supporting atmosphere – ”I’m truly happy where I am now”

 

Besides unique expertise and a common mission, the community of nuclear energy experts has a lot of fun thanks to a good atmosphere and great people.

”In my role, I get to work with a lot of different people. I can say that there are really nice, helpful, and knowledgeable people and a relaxed mood here. It’s also been great to see how many people have had long careers, so you can tell that they’re really enjoying themselves here,” Tynys notes.

Lammela agrees:

”No one’s got such great colleagues! It’s great that whether you work in the office, the Loviisa plant, or remotely, it always feels like we’re working together.”

Antti Lammela appreciates that even though people at Fortum work with extreme focus and precision, the atmosphere is relaxed.

At Fortum, it is ensured that experimenting and learning on the job is safe. For example, a lot of attention has been paid to how feedback is given.

”We frequently provide and ask for feedback, both positive and constructive,” Tomovska explains.

Tomovska, Lammela and Tynys all feel that flexible working hours and remote work opportunities offer room for maneuvring everyday life and frees up space for hobbies. Tomovska enjoys being outside in nature, Tynys at yoga classes, and Lammela doing downhill mountain biking and enduro.

”It’s great to be able to attend the last meeting of the day from a camper van and jump on a bike right after the meeting ends.”

To conclude, Lammela sums up how he feels right now:

”I’ve worked in the industry for 18 years and I’m truly happy where I am now.”

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