Father, son, and a great seam

Welding a great joint is a skill that does not automatically transfer from one generation to the next, but continuity can be developed through lessons and tips. Mikko Puputti works as a development engineer at Raumaster and his son Niko Puputti is following in his father’s footsteps at the Sampaanala machine shop. Like Mikko says; good things are worth recommending – for both parties.

Two men who have clearly been cast in the same mould sit down by a table in the breakroom at the Sampaanala machine shop. Father Mikko has worked for Raumaster since 2011, and his 17-year-old son Niko is starting his career and is graduating as a plater-welder through an apprenticeship program in the upcoming spring.

His father recommended the job, and Niko did not have to think twice. He says that he knew that Raumaster is a great employer thanks to his father, and he had already completed a work practice program at the same place and worked for the company during Christmas holidays. Recommending his son was easy for Mikko as he knows that the young man is efficient and hard-working.

”I have always been interested in metalwork. I really found my passion for the field when I got to try welding in class in the 8th grade. By the time I completed my work practice program I knew that this is my thing”, Niko smiles.

"You get the opportunity to develop and progress in your career."

Mikko thinks it is extremely important that his son has the opportunity to work in a steady and caring company that has great future prospects. It creates security and gives the youngster an opportunity to plan his future long-term.

”I have worked for several companies before, so I can say that Raumaster is the best workplace in the metal industry in this region. Through my own experience I know that here the company takes great care of the employees, the work environment is great, and you get the opportunity to develop and progress in your career”, Mikko says.

Following in his father’s footsteps

Mikko, who now works as a development engineer at the Sampaanala, knows the daily routines of the machine shop. He started out as a plater-welder and robot operator in the November of 2011, and four years later he became a manufacturing coordinator after he completed Rastor’s job technician programme. He has worked also as a project manager.

Mikko graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) in 2021 and began working in his current position in the february of 2024. Right now, he is working on his master’s degree in engineering at LUT University, and he will be tackling his thesis project this spring.

”Having worked at the machine shop for a long time helps me in my current job. I know what and how things are done here, and what sort of operational culture we have”, Mikko says.

Niko has had the opportunity to follow his father’s career closely. Although he is still in the middle of his studies, they have had time to think about some of his goals.

”I enjoy working at the machine shop so much, but of course I might think about progressing and finding a new direction for my career in the future.”

Ask, listen and learn

After finishing lower secondary education with an average of 8.9, Niko studies mechanical engineering and production technology through an apprenticeship programme at WinNova’s Rauma unit. He is also completing SAMK’s pathway studies that make the shift from secondary education to higher education faster and easier and provide an opportunity to begin higher level education already during the studies.

Although the father hoped that Niko would complete matriculation examination, he let his son make his own decision on this matter as well.

”I was not interested in reading, and consequently, high school, because I wanted to do something tangible with my hands. The pathway studies allow me to apply for a university of applied sciences if I want to after graduation”, Niko explains.

The Puputti men do not discuss work at the breakfast table because they leave for work at different times – Niko begins his day at six and Mikko an hour later.

”We always catch up after work. My father asks me how my day went and what I did. In turn, I ask him for advice on the best methods of doing certain things.” Niko says.

”From the start, I advised Niko that if he does not know something he should not be afraid to ask about it from a coworker. You learn the most by listening to the more experienced colleagues and by doing things by yourself. We love to help and teach here”, Mikko adds.

Niko has two younger siblings, and the family spends their spare time closely together. Mikko coached Niko’s floorball team at SalBa for ten years. He has now moved to the bleachers from the courtside.

”I did not have the time to coach anymore, so now I serve as Niko’s chauffeur. We have also been fixing his moped – I do the work and Niko acts as the project manager”, Mikko laughs.