Career Paths in the Shipbuilding Industry: What Companies Tell Students
We interviewed the partner companies of the S4M project during the summer of 2025 to find out what kinds of opportunities they offer to students. The companies interviewed were Meyer Turku Oy, E.U. Adhoc Project Oy, Merima Oy and Lautex Oy.
To begin with, the interviewees described their company’s operations and their own roles within the companies.
E.U. Adhoc Project Oy, founded in 1999, focuses on shipbuilding industry work contracts and turnkey deliveries. We interviewed the company’s CEO, Krister Stenius. From the beginning, the company aimed to enter the turnkey delivery segment, which was first realized in 2015 with the Tallink Megastar vessel.
Shipbuilding has taken place in Turku since 1737, and today the tradition is continued by Meyer Turku, one of the world’s largest and most modern cruise ship builders. Meyer Turku also builds vessels for the Finnish Border Guard in Uusikaupunki. With new ship orders, the company has a promising future and employs more than two thousand people. We interviewed Mikko Kangasoja, a procurement specialist at Meyer Turku. In his role, Kangasoja supports procurement by gathering information on market prices, networks, delivery times and supplier capabilities. He describes his work as highly diverse. He also participates in seminars and fairs and may be involved in various development projects at Meyer Turku, such as the S4M project.
Lautex Oy manufactures metal suspended ceilings for the marine sector and public buildings on land. Lautex is a Finnish company founded in 1951. They offer a wide range of ceiling solutions for luxury cruise ships as well as libraries and other public spaces. Their standard products include panels, cassettes, slats and grilles. In addition to standard products, Lautex can design and manufacture various custom solutions. We interviewed Erja Immonen, who currently works as a technical designer and quality manager at Lautex. Her work includes preparing production documents and related drawings. As quality manager, she handles various quality-related tasks such as ISO 9001, fire testing and other certification duties. Product development is also an essential part of her work.
Merima Oy is a Finnish family-owned project management company founded in 1987, specializing in demanding interior solutions for ships and passenger vessels. The company provides comprehensive turnkey services covering design, procurement, manufacturing and installation for both newbuilds and refurbishments. Merima is known for its strong project management expertise, high quality and ability to deliver demanding international projects. The company’s headquarters and in-house production unit are located in Helsinki, and subsidiaries in Germany and France support its international operations. Merima employs around 120 people. We interviewed Janika Elo, who started at Merima as an HR & Payroll Specialist and now works as an HR Business Partner.
How did you end up in your current role? What is your educational and work background?
After high school, Stenius was unsure about his future career and ended up working at a shipyard in Italy as a forklift driver. Thanks to his strong work ethic, he was invited back after military service, and so he stayed in the field. He worked as an installer and sheet metal worker, and with experience also as a supervisor. In 1999, he and a long-time friend and colleague founded E.U. Adhoc Project Oy, where he worked as a project manager until 2015, when he became CEO. His production-side experience has been valuable in shipyard work and has given him a unique perspective.
Kangasoja holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management and has worked in the metal industry for his entire career. He has worked as a quality engineer, including in assembly at a car factory. He finds quality work interesting because it involves studying how processes function to eliminate errors. His experience as a quality engineer has helped him understand organizational operations and cause–effect relationships. In his current role, he has been able to utilize his broader industrial engineering expertise more than before.
Immonen’s path to Lautex has been interesting, and her previous jobs did not directly point toward her current role. “I studied metal engineering and graduated as a Master of Science in Technology from the Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University). My major was Metal Forming and Heat Treatment, and my minors were Materials Physics and Recycling Technology. I am particularly interested in sheet metal forming methods and the behavior of metals during forming. Already during my studies, my professor introduced me to life-cycle thinking, which still guides my work. Before Lautex, I worked in various roles: at a copper smelter, as a course assistant in my major’s laboratory, as a project engineer at Outotec, in heat treatment at SEW Industrial Gears, doing 3D modeling and CAD/CAM programming at a carpentry workshop, and as a drafter at a construction design firm. Altogether, these formed a diverse continuum related to design, leading to my current role.”
Before her current position, Elo worked in her family business from her student years onward, gaining experience in various roles. Alongside her work, she continuously developed her skills, most recently completing an HR Manager qualification. “My original career goal was interior architecture, and I am trained as a building drafter, which today corresponds to a design assistant or technical designer. My studies provided a strong foundation in technical design, but life led me into different roles in the family business, where I learned about business, project management and leadership. After the company was sold, it was natural to consider a new career path, and that’s how I joined Merima in summer 2022.”
What do you expect from someone starting their career?
Stenius emphasizes the importance of good language skills—especially English—and general working-life skills. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude create a good impression and help one learn faster. Getting along with people is also important.
Kangasoja believes that education provides a good foundation, but ultimately “work teaches the worker.” Microsoft Office skills are important, especially Excel.
According to Immonen, more than professional skills, initiative, courage to act and ask questions, genuine interest in the work and punctuality are needed. In sales and design at Lautex, ERP and CAD software are used, so any previous experience with such tools is an advantage.
At Merima, students are expected to have basic skills, willingness to learn and good teamwork abilities. Elo adds that initiative, a solution-oriented mindset and a positive, flexible attitude help one adapt and develop quickly.
What studies are useful for working in your company or in this field?
According to Stenius, there is no single correct educational path for the field, but shipbuilding studies are considered useful. It is important to remember that project organizations need experts from many fields, such as interior design, electrical engineering and HVAC.
Meyer Turku is a highly multidisciplinary company, so there are jobs for many backgrounds. Project management is a good addition to studies for those who want to work in shipbuilding. Kangasoja also believes everyone should have some financial literacy, as “money is what keeps companies alive.”
Immonen says that some understanding of shipbuilding or sheet metal is helpful, but it depends on the job. She encourages gaining knowledge in both areas but notes that one always continues learning. She herself had no shipbuilding education before joining Lautex but has learned a lot. Vocational studies always provide a good foundation.
According to Elo, studies related to engineering, construction, business or project management are beneficial. “For example, mechanical engineering, construction, interior architecture, logistics, procurement or financial management provide a good basis for various roles at Merima. Project management and communication skills are also valuable, as the work is often team-based in an international environment.”
What tips would you give a student who wants to stand out in recruitment?
Stenius says that a positive attitude and presenting an authentic version of oneself help one stand out. A diverse CV is important, and in addition to work experience and references, hobbies and interests can be included.
Kangasoja admits that standing out is challenging. He recommends adding a “cheerful” photo to the application to give a visual impression. He does not recommend using AI to write applications, as it may hide the applicant’s personality and unique way of expressing themselves. “Tell a story, not something formulaic.” He also suggests calling the company if possible. Experience in production is an advantage in industry and helps one understand the perspective of “ordinary workers,” which is especially valuable in supervisory roles. All work experience is valuable, and learned skills should be highlighted. He also encourages mentioning academic achievements. He reminds applicants not to get discouraged if they don’t get a job immediately, as economic cycles affect hiring.
Immonen encourages students to be active and think about what skills they have and how they could use them in the desired role. Interviews are a two-way evaluation of fit. Being oneself is important. Professional interests and all relevant experience—even from hobbies—should be highlighted.
Elo adds: “If you want to stand out, be yourself and show your motivation toward the field and the company—genuine interest is always memorable.”
Can you give concrete examples of roles students could work in?
At Adhoc, possible roles include sales and support tasks for supervisors, such as reviewing construction phases and reporting. Stenius notes that working conditions on-site can sometimes be rough and shipbuilding can be hectic, but the shipyard world can also be surprisingly rewarding.
At Meyer Turku, students can work in support roles in procurement during their studies. Data handling is also a typical task and, according to Kangasoja, very educational for beginners. After graduation, roles vary widely—from design to HR and IT. In his words, Meyer Turku offers “something for everyone.”
At Lautex, the first tasks in production include packaging and insulation, which anyone can do. Students who return for several summers may learn machine operation, such as bending on an automated press brake. In the office, summer trainees have worked in financial administration and social media tasks.
At Merima, summer jobs are available in finance, procurement and even project teams. Last summer, trainees worked in finance, procurement, engineering, planning, PMO functions, and in project teams at the shipyard and production unit.
What career paths do you offer for university students and recent graduates?
At E.U. Adhoc, it is possible to work part-time alongside studies, although irregular schedules can be challenging for supervisors. Career progression is possible.
At Meyer Turku, part-time work during studies is also possible. Many employees have started as summer or part-time workers, then completed their thesis at the company and continued in permanent roles. Career paths vary individually.
At Lautex, depending on interest, office roles in design or sales may be available part-time. Some employees have progressed from production to design, IT responsibilities, or from production manager to sales director. As a small company, Lautex cannot promise many career paths.
Merima offers summer jobs, internships and part-time opportunities during studies, which help students gain experience and potentially continue in permanent roles.
How common is it to continue in a permanent role after an internship?
At Adhoc, good interns have strong chances of being hired.
At Meyer Turku, permanent employment after graduation is possible. Internships or thesis work serve as good demonstrations of skills.
According to Immonen, internships are opportunities to show one’s abilities, and good workers are retained. In production, temporary workers are sometimes hired permanently. Lautex has not had many long-term interns, partly because the company closes for a few weeks during the summer holiday season.
At Merima, continuing from internship to permanent employment depends on the individual and the role. Elo notes that several of last summer’s trainees now work part-time alongside their studies, and some interns have continued into permanent roles.
How do you support onboarding and development of new employees?
In addition to Adhoc’s own onboarding, the shipyard has its own orientation covering safety practices and practical matters such as payroll and break times. New employees also receive a “buddy” to guide them on-site.
At Meyer Turku, onboarding is carried out using a checklist for different areas. Kangasoja says his own onboarding was the best he has experienced, especially considering his role was new in the company. Much of the real learning happens through work, and employees are encouraged to ask questions. Meyer Turku also offers internal training, such as negotiation skills and financial statement analysis. The shipbuilding industry itself offers daily learning opportunities due to its multidisciplinary nature.
Lautex has an onboarding plan and schedule that is reviewed with each new employee. Supervisors monitor skill development and assign more demanding tasks based on ability and interest.
At Merima, each new employee is assigned a mentor or support person. Training, learning-by-doing opportunities and project-specific guidance help new employees integrate and develop step by step.
Do you offer internship or thesis opportunities?
At E.U. Adhoc, students can apply for both internships and thesis positions. Thesis work is considered valuable because it brings new perspectives and usually relates to a company project.
At Meyer Turku, thesis work is done in development projects, especially in energy and environmental topics. Internships are also available year-round.
Immonen encourages students to ask about internships and thesis opportunities. Having an idea or topic in mind makes it easier for the company to engage.
Merima offers internships and thesis opportunities in finance, procurement, project management and production.
How and when should students apply for internships?
Stenius emphasizes that the easiest way is to contact the company by phone or email. If they cannot answer, leaving a voicemail or message is recommended. Delivery periods are often busy, so responses may be delayed, but students should not wait for the “perfect time”—they should reach out proactively.
At Meyer Turku, internship applications are accepted year-round, as tasks are not limited to summer. Thesis topics often arise internally, but student ideas can also match company needs.
At Lautex, office internship inquiries can be made anytime by calling or messaging. HR is a good starting point, but if a student has a clear interest, they can contact the design or sales manager directly. Summer production needs are known only in late spring.
At Merima, students should apply well in advance of the internship period—typically in spring for summer or autumn internships. Elo emphasizes highlighting motivation, interest in the field and relevant studies or project experience.
Authors:
Miina Mäki, Student assistant, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Adesuwa Okunhon, Student assistant, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Circular Business Models Research Group