Helsinki’s unemployment exceeds 77,000 but shipyard welders face labour shortage

Over 77,000 people are unemployed in Helsinki, yet a targeted training programme in Roihupelto is fast-tracking welders into secure jobs at Helsinki Shipyard, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the shipyard, offers unemployed residents a direct path to permanent employment as the yard constructs two icebreakers for the US Coast Guard. The first cohort of 16 plate-metal welders began their five-month intensive course in February, with the strongest candidates potentially securing contracts during their work placements.

“No more worrying about whether there’ll be work” Helsinki native Tomi Kenttä, previously employed in temporary mechanical and metalwork roles across southern Finland, was among the first selected for the programme. For him, the shift from gig work to stable employment is transformative. “I won’t have to stress about whether there’s work or not,” he said. Structural welders and plate-metal workers will be the first to join the icebreaker construction teams, starting with the vessels’ hulls.

The curriculum demands precision: trainees must master techniques like butt and fillet welding, with instructors emphasising watertight seams—a critical requirement in shipbuilding. “Watertight integrity is pretty important in this line of work,” noted welding instructor Ville Raudaskoski, who gained his expertise building Caribbean cruise ships at Turku Shipyard in the 2000s. Early exercises involve flooding welded structures to test for leaks; later, pressure tests ensure durability.

From Nigeria to Finland’s maritime boom Among the trainees is Erete Erete, who already holds a marine engineering degree from Nigeria and has studied mechanical and production technology in Espoo and Vantaa. Now refining his welding skills, Erete awaits his work placement with anticipation. “It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to joining the team building one of the most impressive vessels,” he said.

The programme reflects a broader push to address Helsinki Shipyard’s labour needs, which include 250 new hires this year and an estimated 600 by 2030, depending on orders. Beyond welders, the yard will require pipefitters, electricians, and specialised interior fitters—roles combining welding with ship-specific carpentry. “The structures in an icebreaker differ somewhat from, say, housebuilding, though there are similarities,” explained Annukka Sorjonen, CEO of Helsinki Employment Services.

A model for rapid upskilling The collaboration between the city, the shipyard, and Stadin Vocational College demonstrates how vocational training can adapt to sudden industry demands. “This group came to us through employment services. Many already had relevant skills,” said Maria Sarkkinen, the college’s principal. With metalwork programmes now oversubscribed in Helsinki’s joint application system, the initiative signals growing interest in maritime careers.

The ripple effect extends beyond the shipyard: subcontracting chains linked to the icebreaker orders are expected to create additional jobs, offering a rare bright spot amid Helsinki’s unemployment challenges.