[Mikkeli - Educating and recruiting young professionals in the water sector]

▷ Description

Mikkeli is located in eastern Finland, South Savo region by the Lake Saimaa. Mikkeli has a population of 53,781 and covers an area of 3,229.57 km2 of which 424.7 km2 is water. The population density is 31.64 inhabitants per km2.

Challenge: Aging personnel in water sector. Educating and recruiting young professionals

Water and sanitation infrastructure in Finland was built in 1960s and 1970s. In Mikkeli water supply infrastructure is up to date and a new MBR WWT plant is being commissioned in 2021. Rest of municipalities in South Savo Region are facing the must do investments in upcoming years. The technology leap sets a huge challenge in aspect of human resources, educated personnel. Not only infrastructure but also personnel working in the water sector is aging. Young professionals are fairly scarce and the difficult to recruit.

▷ Scale

Mikkeli is located in eastern Finland, South Savo region by the Lake Saimaa.

Mikkeli has a population of 53,781 and covers an area of 3,229.57 km2 of which 424.7 km2 is water. The population density is 31.64 inhabitants per km2.

▷ Key specs

New MBR WWT plant being commissioned 2021.

Includes water reclamation plant, R&D- and testing- & piloting-facilities.

Strong R&D activities.

Concept being developed: WWTP as resource factory

▷ Additional info

jouni.riihela@mikkeli.fi

reijo.turkki@mikkeli.fi

panu.jouhkimo@mikseimikkeli.fi