Developing skills and gaining experience through summer work at NYAB
03.09.26What is a summer job at NYAB like? According to the experiences of three summer employees, the role offers a wide variety of tasks, genuine responsibility, continuous learning, and a supportive work community where help is always available when needed. Eppu Veijalainen, Jasmin Ilmasti and Elijas Jokela have spent the summer working in different roles across power networks, the energy sector and infrastructure construction.
Diverse responsibilities from day one
Eppu Veijalainen, who studies Electrical Engineering at Tampere University, is spending his third summer at NYAB. As a trainee working with power networks, he has been involved in design, documentation and procurement tasks, as well as assisting the site manager on construction sites.
“The most interesting part has been assisting the site manager on-site. I had the opportunity to follow a substation project at a different stage than in previous summers, so I learned a lot more from that experience,” says Eppu.
Jasmin Ilmasti, a Construction Engineering student, works as a Site Management Trainee in Sastamala. Now in her third summer at NYAB, Jasmin’s responsibilities have included both site management and project engineering tasks, ranging from quality assurance to procurement and meeting preparation.
“During the summer, my responsibilities have included both site management and project engineering duties. I have also worked as a second site manager, assisting with the supervisory tasks required on-site,” Jasmin explains.
Meanwhile, Elijas Jokela, who also studies Electrical Engineering, has been involved in substation commissioning projects, battery energy storage system (BESS) projects and data centre developments.
“I’ve done a bit of everything. This summer I’ve worked alongside commissioning engineers, assisting with substation commissioning, while also supporting project managers in various projects,” says Elijas.
Learning beyond the classroom
All three summer employees highlight the importance of practical experience in their learning journey. Construction sites, commissioning projects and ongoing developments have provided opportunities to see how theory is applied in practice.
Eppu says he has gained a deeper understanding of the various stages of substation projects, from earthworks and grounding systems to his first experiences with energy storage solutions.
“It has been rewarding to notice topics in my studies that I have already encountered at work. Thanks to practical experience, understanding new concepts has been faster and easier.”
For Jasmin, the most significant learning has taken place directly on-site.
“Every day brings moments of insight during specific work phases and when seeing how different situations are solved. This is something that university does not really teach.”
For Elijas, the summer’s most valuable lessons have been related to substation commissioning and interpreting electrical drawings.
“It feels like I’ve learned an enormous amount this summer. In particular, my ability to read and understand electrical drawings has improved significantly because I’ve needed them every day when testing equipment.”
The summer has also helped clarify future career aspirations.
“This summer has made it much clearer to me what I want to do professionally. Commissioning work has been extremely interesting,” says Elijas.
A supportive workplace where help is always available
The work community stands out in every interviewee’s responses as one of the highlights of the summer. An open atmosphere and the ease of asking for help have left a lasting impression.
“At NYAB, everyone pulls together. Collaboration works well and colleagues support each other,” Eppu says.
Jasmin also praises the working environment.
“The atmosphere has been fun and relaxed this summer as well. I get along very well with my colleagues, which makes our cooperation on-site effective and makes the working days genuinely enjoyable.”
According to Elijas, this sense of community extends beyond working hours.
“Positive and community-oriented. At NYAB, everyone, including managers, is a colleague.”
The induction process and guidance have also received positive feedback. Eppu says he quickly received support when interpreting technical documentation. Jasmin was given assistance with new procurement processes and contracts when responsibility for these tasks was transferred to her during the summer. Elijas, meanwhile, has been mentored by experienced commissioning specialists who have taught him step by step how to carry out various tests and work phases safely and correctly.
“You are given room to grow here, and there is no need to be afraid of asking questions. Everyone wants to help, and you do not need to worry if you occasionally make mistakes,” says Elijas.
Summer highlights from substations to construction sites
The summer has been filled with memorable experiences.
For Eppu, one standout memory was his first encounter with a large-scale substation.
“What I remember most is seeing a 400 kV substation for the first time, situated right next to our work site.”
For Jasmin, the most memorable moments have been demanding concrete-pouring days and the exceptional diversity of work on-site.
“The site involves very different types of work almost every day, ranging from earthworks and element installations to process piping and electrical installations. It has been fascinating to follow.”
For Elijas, the summer highlight was taking part in his first substation commissioning project.
“The first commissioning tests on equipment were definitely the best experience of the summer.”
Outside working hours, there has also been plenty of time to socialise together. The summer has included activities such as sauna evenings, social gatherings, golf, tennis tournaments and trips across different parts of Finland.
What makes a summer at NYAB special?
When asked what makes a summer at NYAB special, all three summer employees share a common theme: the opportunity to learn, develop and be part of a supportive community.
“What makes the summer special is becoming part of the work community, learning new things and being given responsibility that matches your level of competence,” says Eppu.
Jasmin highlights the quality of the work experience and the strong onboarding process.
“NYAB invests in introducing new summer employees to the organisation so that starting work and learning new skills is supported in the best possible way.”
Elijas has a clear message for future applicants:
“You should definitely apply and come and talk to us at recruitment events. The work is diverse, and early in your career it is worth joining the contractor side of the industry to learn.”
According to Eppu, Jasmin and Elijas, the summer of 2026 has been filled with new experiences, responsibility and learning opportunities. Diverse projects, skilled colleagues and a strong sense of community have made it an experience that will benefit them far into their studies and future careers.
