Headlines are reporting a shortage of summer jobs, but hope is not lost in the infrastructure construction sector. One in three (34%) companies in the sector hired more summer workers and interns this summer than in previous years, according to INFRA ry's summer survey. According to the survey, most companies primarily hire students in the sector. Many still said they have also hired people who do not yet have education or previous experience in the sector. Above all, a good attitude, being active and being on the move on time are essential.
“A good attitude is the key to any job,” summed up one respondent to INFRA ry’s summer survey.
The same line was repeated in almost all comments: attitude and a desire to learn often replace experience or educational background.
INFRA members build and maintain highways and municipal infrastructure, and produce the necessary aggregates and asphalt for construction. Members also offer demolition, recycling and lifting services as well as material logistics services for the mining industry, for example.
Although students in the field have priority in many places, many companies said they have also hired other motivated employees – especially in support functions where actual infrastructure training is not always required:
- "Not all of our summer employees are students in the infrastructure sector, but expertise has also come to the company from other fields."
- "There is no specific training for our field, so you can get in with a wide range of skills. Attitude and teamwork skills are more important than extensive knowledge or experience in the field."
- “Some of the summer workers have no experience in the field at all. We hire with open eyes, regardless of work background. The person decides.”
Many employers also reminded that an internship can be the first step towards a permanent job.
The job outlook in the sector is good, as many megatrends mean jobs for infrastructure experts. Urbanization, the green transition and clean energy revolution, strengthening Finland's western connections, and the general pressure to develop logistical accessibility and improve defense capabilities all employ infrastructure builders.
Tips for applying for a summer job – these are the ways to stand out
Companies provided plenty of practical tips for finding summer jobs for next year. By following these tips, you can improve your chances:
- BE ON TIME ON THE MOVE
Most summer jobs are filled between February and April.
- BE ACTIVE AND CONTACT US
The answers emphasized the importance of taking initiative. “It’s a good idea to send your application early by email and then follow up with a call.” “Go to the construction site and ask for work.”
- CONTRIBUTE TO THE APPLICATION
Clearly state what you know and why you are applying for that particular position.
Emphasize your own motivation and previous experiences – even if they are not directly related to the infrastructure sector.
Remember to include up-to-date contact information, including a phone number! The first contact may come by phone, and then it is worth answering.
- SHOW YOUR WILLINGNESS TO MOVEMENT AFTER WORK
Infrastructure construction sites are not always located in your own locality. It is important to state where you are willing to work.
- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNSHIPS AND FOLLOW SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
An internship can be a path to a summer job or even a permanent position. Follow open positions on various social media channels, including companies' own accounts.
Encouragement for those looking for their first summer job
If you feel like you don't have enough work experience or are unfamiliar with the infrastructure industry, you're not alone. Many summer workers start from scratch. As one of the INFRA survey respondents wrote:
“We have had many interns start without any previous experience – everyone starts somewhere.”
If you show genuine interest and are willing to learn, you already have a lot that employers value.
If this is your first time looking for a summer job, remember this: being proactive, applying well, and having a good attitude can go a long way, even if you don't have the field or experience yet. And if you didn't get a job this summer, by doing the right things now you can ensure a better starting point for next year.
Good luck with your application – there is a lot of work in the infrastructure sector now and in the coming years, and the sector needs new workers!
By June 9.6.2025, 29, 717 member companies hiring summer workers had responded to INFRA ry's summer survey. Companies of all sizes from all over the country participated. The companies reported that they had hired XNUMX summer workers. The survey is still open in members' OmaINFRA.
