Geology refers to the branch of science that studies the formation and structure of ground and the Earth’s crust. Geology is supported by physics, chemistry and biology. The Earth’s crust is an important source of raw materials, construction materials and energy and also a storage of natural resources. Geologists’ area of expertise include geographic information, field work and mapping, laboratory analyses, mineralogy, structural geology, geophysics and mine-related expertise.
Geology can be studied in the University of Helsinki, the University of Oulu, the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. Geophysics can be studied in the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku. On average, 50 geologists and 5 geophysicists graduate annually.
Sources of employment and examples of employers
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- Agnico-Eagle Finland
- Boliden
- Dragon Mining
- Endomines
- Terrafame
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- Destia
- NCC Industry
- YIT
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- Posiva
- Fennovoima
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- A-Insinöörit
- Golder Associates
- Outotec
- Pöyry
- Ramboll
- Sitowise
- WSP Finland
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- Regional state administrative agency
- Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
- Geological Survey of Finland GTK
- Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Natural Resources Institute Finland
- Finnish Environment Institute
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- University of Helsinki
- University of Oulu
- University of Turku
- Åbo Akademi
Phenomena in the field
- the mining industry is found attractive and foreign operators in Finland –> diversity in the employment terms and conditions and differences in operating cultures
- processes related to the environmental impact assessment (EIA), project-form activities
- generally a rather good salary level
- employed in the public sector more frequently than the average
- private entrepreneurship activities are increasing
Geologists’ titles in Finnish job market
Employment and career opportunities
There are approximately 900 geologists and 100 geophysicists in the labour market. Little less than 5% of them are unemployed jobseekers (i.e. approximately 45 persons). The field quickly reacts to the general labour market situation and, due to the small size of the occupational group, the unemployment rate may vary strongly. The future of the mining industry is likely to strongly affect this occupational group but, on the other hand, the increased demand for consultative work will balance these impacts.
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