One of MAKE in Finland’s strategic influencing priorities is to help ensure that Finnish manufacturing is seen as an attractive and forward-looking career field. Together with MAKE companies, the ecosystem works to strengthen the sector’s positive image and to inspire new talent by highlighting the importance, versatility, and diverse career opportunities that modern manufacturing offers.
This mission was at the heart of MAKE’s participation in this year’s TeknologiaUra event in Tampere. The event brought together 9th-grade pupils and upper secondary or vocational students who are interested in technology and curious about their future study and career paths. With approximately 1,500 visitors and 30 exhibitors, both numbers more than double compared to last year. The event demonstrated a rapidly growing interest in technology-driven industries.
Manufacturing Companies in the Spotlight
The manufacturing sector was prominently represented at the event. At the shared MAKE booth, companies including ATA Gears, Linjateräs, Lojer, Lumikko, Prima Power, Sacometal, Sandvik, Tasowheel, and TT Gaskets met with students, answered questions, and showcased the concrete ways in which manufacturing drives innovation, sustainability, and everyday life in Finland.
MAKE in Finland also took the main stage to present the wide range of career opportunities available across the manufacturing field. The logos and key messages of MAKE companies were displayed throughout the event, helping to strengthen industry visibility and reinforce the idea that manufacturing is a vibrant, future-oriented sector.
The young visitors brought plenty of good questions about jobs, technologies, studying, and the daily work in manufacturing companies. These discussions also encouraged companies to reflect on how to introduce the opportunities of modern manufacturing to young people in fresh, engaging ways that match their expectations and interests.
Why Attracting Young Talent Matters
Finland’s manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in the nation’s competitiveness, exports, and technological leadership. Yet the sector faces a well-known challenge: a growing shortage of skilled professionals. As technologies evolve and digitalisation accelerates, manufacturing companies need new expertise, ranging from automation and robotics to sustainability, software, and design thinking.
Attracting young people is therefore essential for the long-term vitality of Finnish manufacturing. Today’s modern factories offer meaningful work, international opportunities, high-tech environments, and the chance to solve real societal challengesfrom energy efficiency to resource sustainability. Events like TeknologiaUra help young people discover these opportunities early on, making it easier for them to envision a future career in manufacturing.
By bringing companies and students together, MAKE in Finland supports the development of a talent pipeline that the entire industrial ecosystem will rely on in the years ahead.
Thank You
A warm thank you to all the students who joined the event, to the MAKE companies that participated, and to the additional organisations that engaged in inspiring conversations throughout the day. We cannot wait for next´s year edition!