Einari Vidgrén Foundation — Awarded Antti Korkalainen is a trusted operator from Rautavaara

According to his employer, 29-year-old harvester operator Antti Korkalainen is a key member of Rautavaara’s most dependable harvesting team. The other members of the team are Antti’s brothers Veeti and Eelis.

Something in the forest air must have rubbed off on the seven Korkalainen siblings, as four of them have ended up working in forestry, specifically as forest machine operators. Their father works as a logger, and Antti recalls tagging along to the forest as a young boy to help make firewood.

After finishing secondary school, Antti headed to Toivala to study forestry. His goal was clear from the start: he wanted to be a harvester operator. He secured a work placement with his current employer, Koneurakointi Lukkarinen, during his studies, and has remained with the company for ten years since graduating. He still thoroughly enjoys the job, as Antti describes it as an interesting and independent profession.

Independence is also emphasised by Antti’s brothers Veeti, 25, and Eelis, 22. For them, the best parts of the job are the opportunity to work in the peace and quiet of the forest, and the freedom to do their work without someone constantly watching over their shoulder.

The brothers recommend the industry especially to those who enjoy independent work and nature.

Veeti and Eelis both graduated from Valtimo as forwarder operators, Veeti in 2019 and Eelis in 2022. They both completed their work placements at Koneurakointi Lukkarinen and stayed on with the company after graduating. According to the brothers, they had a very positive experience during their placements: guidance was always readily available, and the employer didn’t expect too much too soon, allowing them the time to learn at their own pace.

The Korkalainens are highly praised for the quality of their work. According to their employer, both forest owners and partners frequently request their specific harvesting team time and time again. Antti believes that the secret to their success comes down to attitude and a genuine interest in the work. According to him, what matters most is to always strive for a high standard of work and do your best.

According to his employer, Antti excels at handling even the most challenging sites, where a keen eye for environmental responsibility is required. He is known for actively observing sensitive natural sites.

The entire Korkalainen team is also highly commended by their employer for their responsible environmental approach. Veeti and Eelis handle even the most demanding terrain with great care, keeping rutting to a minimum.

With the right attitude and strong motivation, not even the seasonal fluctuations typical of the forest industry seem to bother the brothers. Winter days can be hectic and run late. Eelis notes that as winter is all about working hard, taking a couple of weeks off in the spring and autumn feels like a welcome pause rather than a problem.

Koneurakointi Lukkarinen is based in Lapinlahti and provides forestry services across the Upper Savo region. The Korkalainens’ sites are mainly located in Rautavaara and the surrounding areas, as well as in Nilsiä, Kaavi and Varpaisjärvi.