Academic Engineers and Architect in Finland TEK has worked actively towards improving the situation of international experts, especially during the past few years. Most recently, we began the recruitment for a new Project Manager position, to which Owain Hopeaketo has been chosen.
“I’m looking forward to really being able to make a meaningful difference to our international experts in Finland during this job,” says Hopeaketo.
“Especially, I want to help make Finland a place where international experts can find their place to belong, as I have been lucky enough to have found mine. This job is a chance to do that, both via direct interaction with international experts, and by affecting systematic change to policy and societal structures”.
As a Project Manager, Hopeaketo’s tasks will include strengthening the voice and participation of international experts in TEK's activities, as well as influencing the government and other key actors to improve the situation of international talents in Finland, especially by allowing their voices to be heard in decision-making.
“At TEK we consider it vital to make international experts experience labour unions as their own. We wish to be at the forefront of this movement,” says Juhani Nokela, Director of Public Affairs at TEK.
Owain Hopeaketo has a long experience in advocating for international experts in Finland. After growing up in the UK and studying at Imperial College London, he moved to Finland to begin his studies as a Master of Science (Technology) at Aalto University. During these studies, he took an active role in student culture and international student advocacy, and after graduation, has worked at Aalto University and as the first International Student Liaison of TEK. He will start as a Project Manager on December 1.