K-Market Kilo’s TET cooperation wins TASSU equality prize

This year, the TET cooperation between the Postipuun koulu and Kilonpuiston koulu comprehensive schools, Shell HelmiSimpukka Vallikallio and K-Market Kilo was awarded the TASSU prize by the Espoo Equality Committee. Shell HelmiSimpukka Vallikallio and K-Market Kilo, which won the prize in the category nominated by the residents of the City of Espoo, have hired pupils needing intensive special support for TET periods, that is, working life experience periods.

At K-Market Kilo, the pupils participating in TET training have been able to shelve, clean, sort and drag shelf products to the front of the shelf to make it easier for customers to reach them. Based on the feedback, the pupils have experienced feelings success and have been satisfied with the TET period and work tasks.

“The pupils were given uniform shirts to wear, which had a positive effect on their work motivation. “Even though some pupils may have found the work hard compared to normal schooling, these have been tremendously important experiences for them. At the end of the TET period, the pupils received a TET certificate, which they can use as an appendix to the joint application, for example, when applying for further studies. The staff has been happy to instruct the pupil and their supervisor on their duties,” says Kimmo Relander, Manager at K-Market Kilo.

The cooperation between the Postipuun koulu and Kilonpuiston koulu comprehensive schools and Shell Helmisimpukka Vallikallio and K-Market Kilo started through the Tekijätori (‘Talent Market’) project. An employee of the project helped search for a suitable TET place for a 9th-grade pupil needing intensive special support within walking distance of Kilonpuiston school comprehensive school.  After this, the school’s guidance counsellor Jenni Roos contacted Kimmo, and they agreed on the practical arrangements for the TET period in more detail. The TET period lasted for five days, one hour each morning.

The cooperation has continued. This spring, K-Market Kilo has had two 8th-grade pupils of the Postipuun koulu and Kilonpuiston koulu comprehensive schools needing intensive special support for TET periods. These TET periods lasted five days and the daily working hours were 3–4 hours. In the implementation of TET periods, it has been possible to take into account pupils’ individual need for support, for example, in the duration of working time. Pupils needing guidance and support have been accompanied by a familiar adult from the school.

Kimmo’s smiling face shows glimmers of joy as he speaks about many other success stories from training periods.

“The dreams of young people must be supported. For example, a young man from abroad got the opportunity to work in a shop, learn and hone his skills. Today, years later, he has risen to the position of country manager of a large foreign wholesaler.”

Kimmo says that, for example, a pupil who completed a TET period in the shop has since progressed to a permanent employee and is completing apprenticeship training at the same time.

“A person’s motivation and work efficiency determine how things progress. Of course, we remember that first comes training and practice, and then our skills develop. It is essential that the trainee starts to take responsibility for the tasks.”

According to Kimmo, he has had about 1,500 trainees over his 15-year career as shopkeeper. The shops he manages will continue to welcome trainees.

Espoo for all.