Tuomas enjoys work where things move forward and the results are tangible. He leads Patria’s project to deliver 6x6 vehicles to Denmark. Denmark has ordered 129 armoured vehicles from Patria, and deliveries are currently under way.

– In a large vehicle programme, small tasks and major milestones are completed continuously. Each completed task brings a sense that one more item has been cleared from the table. Almost every day, you can see that something has been taken care of, Tuomas says.

The delivery project for Denmark is part of the international Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme initiated by Finland. Under the programme, participating countries develop and procure armoured vehicles based on the Patria 6x6 platform. So far, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom have joined the programme.

Support from other projects

Patria is delivering 6x6 vehicles to several countries simultaneously. Different variants are tailored to customer needs, but they are all based on the same Patria modular vehicle platform.

In Tuomas’s work, the benefits of several parallel projects are reflected in the collaboration between project managers.

Tuomas Tervonen

– The other project managers also work on similar projects and in comparable operating environments. I can turn to them for support and advice whenever needed.

A project manager’s most important task is to keep the overall programme under control. So much is happening in a large project that it is impossible to delve into every detail personally.

– The key is to identify the matters that require attention at any given moment and ensure information flows smoothly between functions such as engineering, procurement and production.

Tuomas travels to Denmark on average once a month to meet the customer and local industrial partners. The vehicles are manufactured in Finland, but Danish companies also play a role in equipping them.
 

Patria impressed me with the support it offered for the thesis process.

Master’s thesis opened the door to Patria

Tuomas studied industrial engineering and management at the University of Oulu, specialising in project management. Towards the end of his studies, he applied to companies for an opportunity to complete his Master’s thesis. Patria impressed him with the support it offered for the thesis process.

– I realised that this was where I wanted to work.

After graduating, Tuomas was able to put what he had learned into practice at Patria. His first project involved upgrades to a vehicle fleet delivered by Patria to Sweden.

He began leading the Danish 6x6 delivery project last autumn. The experience he gained from the Swedish project has helped him understand the working practices and customer culture of Nordic customers.

A project manager’s most important task is to keep the overall programme under control. So much is happening in a large project that it is impossible to delve into every detail personally.

Curiosity is a strength at Patria

Tuomas describes himself as curious and inquisitive. He believes these qualities have been an advantage at Patria.

– I want to learn, and I have never felt that anyone was bothered by my questions. People want to help one another. There is a strong spirit of working together here.

Outside work, badminton provides the most important counterbalance to project work. Tuomas trains a couple of times a week, and the scheduled practice sessions help him draw a clear line under the working day.

– When practice starts at a set time and others are waiting on the court, I simply have to leave work. It helps keep everyday life in balance.

Another long-standing interest is motorcycling. As a student, Tuomas even worked in a motorcycle shop to be closer to his hobby. These days, he mainly rides for leisure and on trips to his summer cottage.

– Once a summer, my friends and I take a slightly longer motorcycle trip.

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