Peace of Mind and a New Career in the Forest

Laura Linkoneva, currently studying to become a forest machine operator, recently found herself working on an evening shift in challenging conditions. It was raining and the autumn darkness had descended on the forest. “I asked myself if I would rather be working somewhere else. The answer was simple: absolutely not. This is exactly what I want to be doing,” says Laura, who has pulled a U-turn in her career.

Until recently, Laura Linkoneva was known as an investment student and investment activist, who inspired young people and women in particular to get to know the world of investing and saving.

However, years of studying while working, writing, blogging and acting as a social media influencer at the same time had an effect on coping with everything.

“You could say that exhaustion led me to the forest.”

Laura says that she has enjoyed being in the forest since her childhood doing orienteering, scouting and outdoor activities with her dog. Every time she went to the forest, her anxiety was alleviated and she felt better.

“I started thinking that maybe I should turn the forest into my profession. I found information on forest machine operator training online, and I got excited. I filled in the application right there and then, and I haven’t looked back.”

After ten years in Helsinki, Laura has moved to the down-to-earth Pirkanmaa area. During her studies, she lives with her parents in Mänttä-Vilppula, studies in Kuru, and the operator’s work has taken her to Juupajoki and Ruovesi, for example. “I’m currently looking for a house of my own deep in the forest with no neighbours close by. After finding a home, I’m planning on purchasing some forest land for myself. It feels like I have had enough of city life already,” says Laura.

Forest Machine Operator is like a Treasurer

Laura went into forestry with an open mind and without preconceptions. It wasn’t until she started her studies that she learned, for example, that there are separate forwarder and harvester machines.

“The diversity, demandingness and amount of responsibility have surprised me positively. Operating the machine is only a small part of the whole job. A good operator is energetic, ambitious and willing to develop their expertise.”

Laura stresses that the forest machine operator is also a treasurer.

“Treasurer is a totally accurate word to describe a forest machine operator who takes care of someone else’s property and gets the forest owner’s capital to produce profit. I work in someone else’s forest just as carefully as I would in my own forest, or even more so.”

A Real Ponsse Girl

At the beginning of her studies, Laura decided not to favour any particular machine manufacturer, and wanted to learn how to operate machines of all different brands. She was also happy to operate older machines. As she gained experience, she came to doubt this decision, as machines from one particular manufacturer rose above the others in terms of ergonomics and operator comfort.

“I couldn’t help it. I soon became a real Ponsse girl. Maybe it has something to do with my Savonian roots,” says Laura smiling.

“The PONSSE Wisent suited me better than the other forwarders, and it was nice to work with. I got to operate a Scorpion at school, and now I’m working with a Scorpion King. I’m a fan. Even now, I’m wearing a Ponsse cap, and I’ve invested in Ponsse stock.

Laura will graduate as a forest machine operator through an apprenticeship, which means that theoretical studies are completed at school and practical training is done at the workplace. Laura is employed by Metsä-Multia Oy, a company providing logging and forestry services in central Finland. Work is done in two shifts.

“I always have a more experienced operator as a partner. It’s really nice to get feedback and advice from a professional. We have good cooperation, so it’s nice to go to work,” says Laura thankfully.

“At Metsä-Multia, all the machines have names, and the Scorpion King I operate is called Björn. I talk to Björn like I would to a human partner. I say good morning when I come to work and goodbye when I leave. I praise the machine when it performs well. Björn is my workmate.”

Laura Linkoneva went into forestry with an open mind and without preconceptions.

Forestry Motivates

Laura says that many of her schoolmates chose the industry through an interest in engines and big machines, as well as operating them. Laura is mostly motivated by her interest in forestry.

“The forest industry and responsibility go well together. The Finnish welfare state wouldn’t exist without forests and the forest industry,” she says.

When it comes to sustainable forestry and respect for the environment, the end result depends a lot on the expertise and attitude of the operator.

“I think that there should be more protected areas, but on the other hand, what is often forgotten when talking about this issue is that the operators make countless good decisions when working in commercial forests. I would like more dialogue in the debate on forestry.”