Petri Pitkänen, property maintenance worker

Petri graduated as a property maintenance worker while working

What is your job title and what are your responsibilities?

I work as a property maintenance worker at Pyörö school and a few other sites in Petonen area. My tasks include e.g. lighting, ventilation and heating systems, as well as general inspections of the buildings. Our main task is to ensure that nothing is broken and that the entire property is functioning properly.

We follow a maintenance log that outlines weekly and monthly tasks, and we also respond to service requests. For example, during our weekly rounds, we walk through as much of the school as possible and check whether everything is in order, such as whether any lights have burned out. Our properties in Petonen include several daycare centers, a youth center, and three schools

How long have you been working at Servica and what has your career been like?

I started working at Servica in the summer of 2022, based on a recommendation from a former colleague. I’ve been doing similar work for eight years. I spent six years at my previous workplace, which was quite different, even though I was still working as a property maintenance worker. I actually started there doing only snow removal, and at that time I had no experience in property maintenance. After a couple of weeks, my supervisors called and told me there was an opportunity to take on property maintenance tasks. One of my coworkers joined me for half a day to show me where the properties were located, and that’s how it all began.

What did you study?

I studied through an apprenticeship while working here at Servica. I studied for about a year and a half, and in May I graduated as a property maintenance worker.

What’s the best thing about your job?

This is a flexible and interesting job where I can plan my days independently, and the work is done on weekday mornings. The sites I maintain are close to each other, and I can move between them even by walking. Of course, sometimes I need to go a bit further. Teachers and students have appreciated openness and often come to chat daily. I really enjoy working here.