Mehiläinen's work coaches provide support in career changes

Mehiläinen's work coach Sari Väisänen finds the work of a work coach very rewarding and interesting, in which no two working days are guaranteed to be the same. Work coaches work in occupational health care by supporting employees in situations where the continuation of work is threatened.

“I feel that I have the privilege of being able to walk alongside people on their paths of change, for example, towards new employment opportunities. Poor work ability or losing a job can be major crises. In most cases, dealing with issues and mapping out new job opportunities together opens up new perspectives and opportunities for building your own career path. The best part of being a work coach is definitely the joy of success, when the customer starts to believe in themselves and becomes motivated to take the steps towards new career opportunities."

Guidance support provided by LocalTapiola

Virpi Lehto enjoyed her career as a florist, which took a turn when she began to experience skin symptoms. Eventually, the symptoms only worsened and she was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis, an occupational disease, caused by ornamental plants. She was forced to think about new career paths.

“At first, it was not easy to adjust to the situation when I had to quit my job. After all, I enjoyed my job a lot,” Virpi describes her situation.

Virpi was granted career change support from LocalTapiola on the basis of an occupational disease. In order to prepare and implement a professional plan, Virpi was referred to Mehiläinen’s work coach services. Cooperation with the work coach Sari Väisänen began.

Virpi's expertise, strengths and interests were mapped out in joint meetings. Virpi was interested in working with children and young people from the very beginning, and she had already had some experience in it when she worked as a nanny. The plan was for Virpi to start working as a school counsellor. Virpi also needed retraining in order to find employment in education.

“Poor work ability or losing a job can be major crises. In most cases, dealing with issues and mapping out new job opportunities together with a work coach opens up new perspectives and opportunities for building a new career path,” says Sari.

Towards a career as a school counsellor

A work trial was arranged to validate the plan. Virpi's work trial as a school counsellor at a comprehensive school in Oulu lasted for 5 months, during which it was discovered that the work was suitable for Virpi's health.

“The work trial is really important as it gives you a real picture of the job description,” Virpi says.

After the work trial, Virpi was able to complete a vocational qualification in education and guidance as a school and extracurricular counsellor in June 2022. During her work trial and studies, she received compensation from LocalTapiola.

“Studying was fun, even though at first I was nervous. I was motivated to learn new things until the very end. The duration of the training was just right for me. I wanted to complete the degree quickly,” Virpi says.

During her studies, Virpi also gained expertise in a multicultural environment through an internship at a Finnish home school in Spain.

“It was great to see how Finnish children and young people studied in a foreign culture and also to experience how a sense of community was formed between them. I was able to support and guide the progress of their studies. This two-month trial made me confident about my work and I was empowered by the feeling that I really have found a job where I can use my strengths.”

Virpi also worked in Finland as a school counsellor for Ukrainian children.

“It was a tremendous experience to guide students with whom I did not share a common language, just expressions. I want to face every personality without fear and be of real help. I know how to be a safe, strong adult and support the students in school.”

A new profession and career

After completing her degree, Virpi found employment in a comprehensive school as a personal student assistant. Work coach Sari emphasises that the key factor has been Virpi's own activity, motivation and courage to move towards new professional challenges. In Sari's opinion, the most rewarding thing in the work of a work coach is seeing someone find a new career and direction in working life.

“You were very supportive in planning a new career for me. Your calm, calm nature and positive attitude made me feel that things would work out well. I felt that I was well taken care of by a professional. My new job feels meaningful and suitably challenging. It is great to be able to work with people in a large work community with nice colleagues. And best of all, I get to help sweet little children in their studies,” Virpi describes.

Concerning vocational rehabilitation, Virpi concludes:

“I am very grateful that I was able to receive vocational rehabilitation and retraining supported by LocalTapiola. LocalTapiola also provided me with a very professional and individual service. In addition, I am grateful that I have found a job with suitable challenges, the opportunity to receive further training and progress in the field. It was not easy to adapt to the change. I had to give up a job that I liked. This had to be given a lot of thought. I went through a crisis, but I got over it, and now I feel like life is better. That's the way it was supposed to be.”

Virpi Lehto

Text written by work coach Sari Väisänen from Mehiläinen Oulu.