A new way of connecting metal industry experts and employers has been launched in the Joensuu and Outokumpu regions. The North Karelia Metal Industry Expert Network brings together six significant industrial companies in the region: David Health Solutions Oy, Hanza Oy, Kirike Oy, Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy, Outokumpu Metalli Oy and Premetec Oy. The network is coordinated by HR Mentor Oy.
The idea of the network is simple: a metal expert submits one application and is then exposed to all the companies in the network. The employment relationship begins through an HR Mentor, and in many positions there is the possibility of later moving directly to the client company. The network is looking for experts in, among other things, welding, machining, surface treatment and assembly tasks.
The idea didn't come out of nowhere.
There is a long history behind it. The Outokumpu region's industrial village implemented a similar experiment in 2016, in which four to five metal companies flexibly shared their expertise with each other, especially in layoff situations. The arrangement involved around twenty employees and worked better in practice than the parties expected. However, it faded with the economic recovery.
The Outokumpu Local Sudden Structural Change Coordination and Development Project (PÄRM) identified this history and structural need as one of the key measures of the project. The project implemented a survey as an outsourced service, carried out by HR Mentor Oy. Ten significant industrial employers in the area were interviewed in early 2026. The survey showed that companies have a clear need for a renewed model and concrete expectations for its operation: an external coordinator, a clear legal structure and continuous production of experts for the network.
The companies' common message in the report was clear: the model worked, but it fell short.
From research to practical action
Based on the survey, HR Mentor Oy set out to build a Metal Industry Expert Network together with industrial companies. The network has included six companies from the beginning and the operations are designed to be permanent — not just a crisis mechanism.
— The survey showed that there is a clear need for cooperation in the area. It was great to see how the results of the survey led to concrete action. The launch of the North Karelia Metal Industry Expert Network is an indication that the activities can continue and grow even after the project ends. It is a long-term way of proactively managing expertise, says Henry Torn from Outokumpu's local sudden structural change coordination and development project.
When companies join forces
With HR Mentor, we have been able to participate in building something that feels truly meaningful for the entire region. It has been great to see how the top companies in the metal industry in North Karelia have openly started to consider joint solutions to find experts and strengthen the competitiveness of the region.
Traditionally, companies have recruited talent mainly to meet their needs, but this network takes a different approach: together we are stronger. When companies join forces, we are able to build a broader and more interesting entity for both job seekers and employers.
From a recruiter's perspective, one of the biggest advantages of the model is that we can better utilize the skills of applicants. Too often in recruitment, an excellent applicant is not selected for one position, even though their skills could be found in another company. Thanks to the network of experts, we are able to offer applicants more opportunities with one application and at the same time help companies find employees more efficiently.
From the applicants' perspective, this also means a smoother job search. A single application opens up the opportunity to apply to several companies, and you don't have to fill in the same information multiple times. In pre-interviews, we can calmly discuss the applicants' wishes and interests: which company or what kind of tasks feel like theirs, whether the applicant wants to be introduced to one company or perhaps more. This way, we are able to serve each applicant more individually and build truly successful working life encounters.
The network also offers opportunities for those interested in fixed-term jobs, interns, those looking for an apprenticeship, and retirees who want to continue to utilize their valuable skills in working life. When more companies are involved in the same network, there are more options and more flexible paths to working life for different life situations and career stages.
– We believe that this kind of cooperation benefits the entire region. When experts and companies find each other better, the future of North Karelia's industry and the vitality of the region are strengthened, they say. Päivi Savolainen and Satu Pehkonen from HR Mentor Oy.
Why is this important for the region?
The shortage of metalworking professionals is a recognized challenge throughout North Karelia. At the same time, the region has a lot of expertise and potential that too often remains hidden. The network of experts responds to this challenge from two directions: it facilitates the employment of experts in their own region and helps companies find the right people even before the actual recruitment need arises.
The goal is a scalable model that strengthens the vitality of the region in the long term.
More information about the Metal Industry Expert Network and how to apply: www.helpporekry.fi
The PÄRM project is funded by the Regional Council of North Karelia's Support for Sustainable Growth and Vitality (AKKE) grant. The project will continue until 31 December 2026.
The post The North Karelia Metal Industry Expert Network has been launched — one application opens the door to several companies Appeared first on City of Outokumpu.