Miia Lehto is a summer employee repairing crashed cars at VV-Auto's car accident damage workshop in Herttoniemi Helsinki.
A grey Volkswagen, whose owner had crashed it into a concrete pillar in a parking facility, has just been brought in.
– We repair lots of bumper dents, which take an hour or two. If we have to remove very many parts, the repair may take even three days, says Miia Lehto.
One of the most challenging operations is windscreen replacement, which requires special attention.
– The windscreen must be cut out neatly and the gluing of a new one must succeed at the first attempt, so that you don't have to do it again. In fact, succeeding in the most difficult jobs is most rewarding.
Experience creates routine and rhythm
The next repair is a major one: a badly damaged right rear corner of a car.
– I'm only starting my career, which is why I cannot perform any very difficult jobs yet. When necessary, I consult the more experienced colleagues and believe that when I gain more experience, I also find the routine and rhythm.
Although cars seem to be coming in like on a conveyor belt, Miia is not tired.
– I like my work, because I can do it independently and at my own pace. Each case is different. I can see the results of my work, and it is especially gratifying to see a happy customer when he or she gets the car back from repair. I definitely want to continue doing this.
From car cleaner to repairer
Miia Lehto ended up in a male-dominated sector after working as a car cleaner at a service station. She gradually became increasingly interested in the vehicles and applied for a related study programme.
Last spring, Lehto received a qualification in car body repairing from TTS' (Työtehoseura) adult education programme. Thanks to her good performance at VV-Auto during the practical training period, they hired her for the summer.
Miia Lehto says that she has felt quite comfortable in the male dominated work environment, and at least does not admit to having faced any major prejudices. She keeps in mind an instructor's motto: "If you don't have enough strength, you must use your brain".
What if you were a car, which model would you want to be?
– I like all cars, but if I had to choose, I'd be a black Audi A3. It's beautiful and compact", says Miia Lehto.