Young machine operators Aatu, Iikka and Eero are a great example of how Tapojärvi supports employees’ growth into skilled professionals through practical work and strong orientation.
At the Kevitsa open-pit mine, the landscape changes to the rhythm of heavy machinery. Tapojärvi Oy ensures that waste rock is moved efficiently and safely. A fresh breeze of a new generation is also part of the worksite’s everyday life: Aatu Leinonen (20), Iikka Lehtola (19) and Eero Merenkukka (19) are among the youngest operators on site – and they’ve quickly shown with confidence that they get the job done.
Eero and Iikka graduated from the Sodankylä Vocational School as earthmoving machine operators in spring 2025 and transitioned swiftly from school to working life. Aatu joined Tapojärvi in February 2025 from a company that works as a subcontractor for Tapojärvi. At the time of the interview, Eero and Iikka were completing their military service.
– Working with machines has always been close to my heart. If it rumbles, I’m interested, Aatu laughs – and the excitement in his voice makes it clear he really means it.
Work at Kevitsa follows a rotating schedule: one week of night shifts, one week off, and one week of day shifts. The shifts are 12 hours long, with the final day of the week being 8 hours. Each day starts at 6:00 a.m., with 15-minute breaks every three hours, including a 30-minute lunch break.
– We haul waste rock to the basin bench and spread it using a triple-seven pillar. Sometimes we haul ore to the crusher using HD 605 Komatsus, Aatu explains.
For the young operators, one of the most important things is that it genuinely feels good to come to work. Aatu has also felt at home from the start.
– We have a really good crew. There’s humour, and everyone works together toward the same goal.
Their supervisor Ilmari Antinjuntti also gets special praise.
– Ilmari is absolutely great. He encourages us, jokes around, and is part of the group. I’ve worked in many places, but I’ve never experienced anything like this, Aatu says.
At Tapojärvi, clear operating procedures, discipline, and genuine team spirit are highly valued. Everyone on site is part of the same crew, where you can count on support and advice when needed. When responsibilities are shared and the rules are clear, work runs smoothly – and safely.
For young employees too, it matters that they truly feel part of the group. Close cooperation and a strong sense of belonging are visible every day. Help is always available, and the atmosphere is open and supportive.
– You learn this job best by doing. That’s what young people considering this field should hear: if you’re 18 and ready to work, this is the place. You don’t have to be ready – they’ll teach you here, Aatu sums up.
Safety comes first, and learning is part of everything we do. At Tapojärvi, no one is left to struggle alone. Every new employee receives thorough onboarding before starting any task. The company has its own internal training models to ensure that everyone knows the safety instructions, practices and responsibilities before heading into the field.
Tapojärvi Oy is committed to offering young people with opportunities to enter working life and develop their skills through practical work. The Kevitsa site is a great example of how responsibility and trust in young people go hand in hand.
– We have a clear intention to support young people’s professional development and give them a chance to build their careers with us, says Tapojärvi’s HR department.
Aatu, Iikka and Eero are a great example of this – they have found their place, done their work, and shown that it’s attitude, not age, that defines your ability.
Aatu also sees his future with Tapojärvi in the longer term.
– Five years from now? Hopefully still at Tapojärvi – maybe working as a loader operator, or at some point maybe even in blasting, when life allows for studying alongside, he reflects.
You’re welcome here At Tapojärvi, we warmly welcome new people to join us.
With us, you don’t just build your own skills – you help build our shared future. We are constantly recruiting.
See all open positions here
Tapojärvi is a Finnish, family-owned company that has offered environmentally sustainable products and services for nearly 70 years.
Employees: 1,006
Sites: 15 across four countries
Business areas: Mining services, industrial circular economy, research and development Subsidiaries: Hannukainen Mining Oy, Tapojärvi Sverige AB, Tapojarvi Italia S.r.l., Tapojarvi Hellas M.I.K.E. Hannukainen Mining Oy focuses on reopening the historic mine in Kolari. In Sweden and Greece, operations mainly focus on mining services and R&D. In Italy, Tapojärvi operates in plant services, circular economy, and related R&D.
Active sites include: Kemi, Kevitsa, Kittilä, Pajala, Siilinjärvi, Skouries, Terni, and Tornio.
