Ovako Imatra is the new partner of JA’s Yrityskylä in Southeast Finland
Junior Achievement (JA) Finland´s Yrityskylä Secondary School is a Finnish, gamified learning module for 9th graders that provides positive experiences about working life, the economy, entrepreneurship and society. Over the next three years, 9th graders in Southeast Finland will have the opportunity to work as the management team of Ovako Imatra and make business decisions in international markets.
During the game, students will lead the company through a simulated business year. They will sell and market M-steel, developed at the Imatra mill, to customers across various industrial sectors, primarily in Europe. Through the game, young people will practice leadership skills, decision-making, and strategic thinking in a realistic business world simulation.
"We are delighted to be part of developing the future talents' skills. Sustainability is a core part of Ovako's operations, and this Yrityskylä concept provides a unique platform for young people to understand the importance of sustainable industry for society," says Head of Human Resources, Helena Kumpulainen, from Ovako Imatra.
Yrityskylä offers students the opportunity to learn about different companies and industries while gaining insights into various job roles. As part of the Yrityskylä learning module, students are introduced to the evolving working life and responsible business practices. The storyline of the learning experience takes students from job seekers to company employees and eventually to corporate leadership.
In the actual game, students are divided into teams of five, and the groups compete against each other. In Ovako’s game, students will consider factors such as the costs of steel production, pricing, and elements affecting the company's reputation. Additionally, they will face unexpected events and make investments in the company.
Yrityskylä is based on the Finnish core curriculum and is proven to be effective: approximately 90 % of all 9th graders in Finland, across 13 regions, participate in its activities annually. Yrityskylä Southeast Finland in Lappeenranta reaches nearly all middle school students in South Karelia and Kymenlaakso areas. Ovako’s game will especially be played by students from the South Karelia region – the home region of the Imatra mill.
"Through Yrityskylä, our partners, such as Ovako, can locally reach entire age groups and create a positive image of their operations for future job seekers and employees. With the support of our partners, we can provide children and young people with broad economic, work-life, and entrepreneurial skills, regardless of their background or starting point," comments Johanna Peltovuori, Partnership Manager at Yrityskylä Southeast Finland.
For more information, please contact
Satu Tähkä
Communication Manager, Imatra Mill
satu.tahka@ovako.com , p. +358 40 555 6171
