Always a future in the construction industry

- There is always a need for construction workers in Åland, says Mikael Fagerlund, who is CEO of the construction company Byggpartner Åland Ab and has many relocated workers among his employees.

Like most other companies in the construction sector, Byggpartner is a workplace that brings together many nationalities. Here, Ralf and Zaida from Åland meet Anar from Estonia, Marius from Romania, Shakir from Kosovo and Göran from Sweden.

- Often our builders come on their own first and work for a while before returning to bring their families, says Mikael Fagerlund. Åland is a great place to live, the community is calm and safe and there are good daycare centers and schools. 

Thriving in Åland

Among those who have relocated is Adrian Mandricel from Romania.
- I was lured here 15 years ago, he says with a laugh. It was never my intention to settle here, I was only going to stay a few years – but now I live here with my family. We enjoy it and the peaceful community suits me, I don't like big cities and large crowds.

Jānis Dēdelis from Latvia and Rene Kangur from Estonia agree.
- We knew nothing about Åland before, but came here and gave it a try – and stayed. It's a small island and not much happens, but at the same time we like how small it is. Instead of driving several hundred kilometers to get somewhere, it's rarely more than 40 kilometers in any direction.

When relatives and friends come to visit, they often drive around and discover Åland. The cable ferry out to Vårdö, fishing and all the disc golf courses are favorites, as is the sea bath at Degersand and Getabergen with restaurant Soltuna. 

Entering the industry as an apprentice

Among the employees at Byggpartner, local Åland resident Zaida Fagerlund also draws attention. In addition to being the only woman on the construction side, she is also employed under an apprenticeship contract.
- I chose the construction industry because I like working with my hands. For me, it works perfectly to work as an apprentice four days a week and study one day a week. 

Mikael Fagerlund explains that Byggpartner has received help from Åland's vocational school to tailor a complete training program for Zaida. 
- With us, she works together with her mentor Göran. So far, she has been involved in everything from foundation work, reinforcement and formwork to casting of pillars and hollow core slab installation.

- It's easy to find work in Åland, especially if you have experience, he summarizes. Those who want to work always have work, all construction companies always need someone. Moreover, the tasks are varied – on Åland construction sites, you get to do everything!