Tivia's Commitment to Engaging Youth Continues at Taitaja
Tivia’s subgroup, Tivia Savo, partnered in one of the nation’s largest events for vocational students. They helped organize the Data Processing Skills competition in coordination with Skills Finland and Savon Ammattiopisto at Taitaja 2024.
Competition Participants hard at work
History Made: Tivia's First Presence at Taitaja
It all came about during a Tivia Savo board meeting when a member suggested participating in the Taitaja event. This member was also part of the Taitaja organizing committee.When asked about the beginnings of this involvement, Tapio Vainikainen, the chairman of the Tivia Savo board, explained, “We sent them a request to take part as a partner to have our names here and to sponsor the event. They then asked if we wanted to help organize this competition as well, marking a larger presence than initially envisioned.”
Taitaja has a rich history in Finland. As a major event for vocational education in Finland, it has brought together the nation’s best skilled professionals since 1988. This year, it was held in Kuopio, drawing 40,000 to 50,000 attendees. Next year, it will take place in Turku. Tapio remarked, “Tivia aims to continue this partnership in Turku with main partners such as Skills Finland and the local vocational education school.”
“Our presence at Taitaja completely aligns with Tivia Savo’s goals: increasing visibility and attracting more young members,” Tapio noted.
Strategic events and decisions at TIVIA Savo
Competition Partners displayed
When asked about the milestones in the last few years, Hannu Korhonen, board member of Tivia Savo raises an important concern: “A milestone was to bring the Tivia group closer. But unfortunately, we are having trouble reaching the young people. We had previously taken part in a game event in Kuopio, which attracted 3000 youngsters with limited success. Our message is not reaching them. We have the courage to try new and different approaches than before. But, maybe we don’t know what is the best way to do this.”
Tivia Savo was founded 20 years into Tivia’s inception. It has 80 active members who participate and create four annual professional events including seminars and workshops apart from summer activities such as participation at the local theater as well as cruising. Each event attracts about 10 to 15 attendees and the average attendees’ age is 60.
Hannu’s concerns directly resonate with what Tapio sees as Tivia Savo’s biggest challenge: Aging Tivia members and a need to attract more youngsters. Schools and companies are having more young and international people.
Hannu's perspective on sense of belonging is so important: “I know the problem. Sometimes, when you get some non-Native Finnish people in companies, they often feel isolated. Savon Ammattiopisto faces similar issues with international students. They have several international students over there. How can one get proper support? How can one get a better feeling for spending free time? How to find a group where you belong? Joining a group that resonates with you is crucial, where one can share their experience, problems and spend time. That's how one can belong.”
All of the above concerns for international professionals and students are yet to be solved, given very little of Tivia’s offering is in English.
But these debates, conversations, brainstorming about this subject means we are headed in the right direction.
Data Processing Competition with TIVIA Savo
From left to right the Finalists of the Data Processing Competition: Juuli Ervasti (Keski-Pohjanmaan ammattiopisto, Kpedu), Wallace Gichuhi (Vamia), Mustafa Can (Espoon seudun koulutuskuntayhtymä Omnia).
More finalists: Ella Räihä (Saimaan ammattiopisto), Arisha Rejuan (Perho liiketalousopisto).
When asked about the format of the competition, Judge Edward Krogius, Lecturer at Helsinki Business College shares, “We have 3 different categories: Presentations, spreadsheets and documents. We are producing a lot of data and information, given the Skills name of “ Data Processing”. Each task reflects essential skills for data analysts and management support. This year, we're pleased to have Tivia Savo board members as judges, representing companies where these young competitors might work in the future.The most important thing with this competition is to give young people an opportunity to grow and find their own strengths, which are guiding them towards what they will be doing in their future work as well as what the industry expects from them.”
A speed knockout competition outside of the original marathon-style competition was also held. This tested the speed of the competitor, quick problem-solving skills.. It's a little bit fun, competitive and shorter. Edward remarked, “We are really happy for Tivia to provide us with the prices for the competitors of this competition.”
To conclude and tie this article’s theme together, here is advice from Juuli Ervasti, the Knockout competition winner from Keski-Pohjanmaan Ammattiopisto (Kpedu), for future competitors: “They should be themselves, meet new people. Be open to new people!”
By Shreyas Ramachandran Srinivasan, An ICT Professional with a Robotics and Project Manager background who has developed a reputation of being fair to both native Finns and immigrants in Finland.