The Path of a Young Expert in the Nuclear Power Industry – Matias Aerikkala Builds the Energy of the Future 

The Technical Field Called Early 

Matias knew early on that he would pursue further studies in a technical field. After comprehensive school, the choice between upper secondary school and vocational school was resolved by the opportunity to complete a double degree: he enrolled in Kokemäki to study for a vocational qualification in electrical and automation engineering while also earning his matriculation certificate. The field started to feel like the right fit during his vocational studies, and moving on to a university of applied sciences seemed like a natural next step. 

Electrical and automation engineering sounded versatile and interesting. It combines theory and practice, and the job tasks vary widely across different industries, Matias explains. 

He earned his engineering degree in four years at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Pori. Summer jobs guided his path into the world of nuclear power. 

Towards Olkiluoto and Nuclear Expertise 

Summer jobs took Matias to Olkiluoto in 2021, where he worked in electrical maintenance at the OL1 and OL2 plant units. 

I wanted to try something new. The work environment and operating practices at a nuclear power plant were a world of their own, and they made a strong impression on me, Matias recalls. 

The summers at Olkiluoto brought valuable experience, and later, in the same environment, he also completed his thesis. Through maintenance work, he gained a broad understanding of what safe and continuous plant operation requires—and how precisely everything must be planned. 

A Career Turning Point Over Lunch 

On the verge of graduation, Matias was already looking toward new directions. The next job was even in mind when two meaningful conversations made him reconsider his choices: job interviews with Janne Valkonen and Kirsi Hassinen from Platom. 

The discussion with Kirsi at a pizzeria in Eurajoki especially stuck with me. The human-centered approach to leadership, the organization’s low hierarchy, and the variety of work felt right, Matias describes. 

Matias started at Platom as a Project Engineer and quickly dove into many aspects of project work. Most tasks are related to automation technology, but general project management responsibilities are also part of his daily routine. 

The Youngest Perspective in the Team 

Project work is different from previous maintenance tasks—independence has increased, and responsibility has grown. Although much of the work is done remotely, efforts are made to foster a sense of community. At Platom, Matias especially values the diversity brought by the age range. 

Remote work and Teams meetings don’t feel unfamiliar—they’ve been part of everyday life since my study years. I even did my military service during the pandemic, so adaptability came along with that, Matias says with a smile. 

Here, younger employees learn from the experienced ones—and the so-called tacit knowledge that experts share is invaluable. There’s a shared will to help colleagues succeed. 

For those at the early stages of their careers, Matias encourages curiosity and courage. Not everything falls into place immediately—and that’s exactly why it’s worth trying a wide variety of things. 

Finding your own field may take time. Different tasks and workplaces teach you—and every experience moves you forward, even if the direction isn’t clear right away. 

Finding Balance and Motivation in the Forest 

To balance work, Matias enjoys spending time in the forest. He is an active member of his local hunting group and is happy that more young members have joined. 

Weekends often take me away from home. In summer, I participate in local events, and in autumn, most of my time is spent elk hunting. A couple of freezers full of berries and game says quite a lot, Matias laughs. 

Free time helps maintain a balance between work and rest. Working at the client’s premises structures the week so that he doesn’t end up opening his laptop at home in the evenings. 

Plans for the Future 

Matias is still on the journey of defining his specific area of expertise. He says he enjoys the variety of tasks but hopes, over time, to find a specialty he can dive into more deeply—perhaps even one that others haven’t yet taken a clear path toward. 

My wish is to grow through experience and, with that, take on more responsibility. The best parts of the job are learning new things and the fact that no project is ever exactly the same as another. 

Recently, Matias completed the YJK course (Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Waste Management), which opened yet another perspective on the field—and provided additional tools for future projects.