Entrepreneur transitions to forestry and mentors students in Varpaisjärvi, Finland

Sakari Suonpää, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Lapinlahti, Finland, recently transitioned from a career in business to forestry. After graduating from Savon Vocational College last spring as a forest worker, he embraced the challenge of this physically demanding field despite having little prior knowledge of it. Previously, Suonpää, a master’s degree holder in business, worked for the tax office. “I wanted to try outdoor work and see if I could handle physical tasks,” he said.

Now, Suonpää mentors two adult students using brush cutters in a dense tree plantation in Varpaisjärvi. Matti Martikainen, 42, and Enni Bondén, 32, are currently pursuing a basic qualification in forestry at Savon Vocational College and considering career changes. Martikainen, who has an 18-year background in manufacturing at Normet, believes the education will benefit his own forest ownership, stating, “Even if it doesn’t turn into a full career, this training will help me with owning forest land.”

Bondén aims to become an entrepreneur and previously worked in manufacturing at Genelec. She expressed that “an outdoor dog needs walls and various challenges” and views this field as a fitting challenge at this stage in her life.

Adult education is increasingly popular, drawing about 30,000 people annually seeking career changes. According to a recent survey, many adult students, particularly those with basic and secondary education, are considering new career paths. Savon Vocational College education manager Ari Puustinen noted that around 20,000 adults change careers in Finland yearly, with many entering forestry programs.

Despite the growing interest, the future of adult education may face challenges due to the recent end of adult education support, limiting funding options for students. Puustinen expressed concern that the changes might soon influence the job market.