Apprenticeship Training for Entrepreneurs Supported Vaasa INTOclean's Growth
In just a few years, Vaasa INTOclean has become a well-known company providing commercial cleaning, construction cleaning and specialised cleaning services in the Ostrobothnia region. For entrepreneur Marie Silmu, continuous learning has always been an important part of running a business. When she wanted to improve her business skills, completing a vocational qualification in entrepreneurship through an apprenticeship at Vamia was the natural next step.
Marie Silmu founded Vaasa INTOclean together with her husband Mikko in 2018. From the beginning, their goal was to offer more than traditional cleaning services. Today, the company provides regular commercial cleaning, construction cleaning, specialised cleaning and cleaning consultancy services to customers throughout Ostrobothnia.
As the company grew, Marie realised she also needed to develop her own skills as an entrepreneur. That is why she decided to complete Vamia’s apprenticeship programme and earn a vocational qualification in entrepreneurship.
"Our business started growing immediately after we launched it. When we reached a certain point, I felt I needed more tools, new ideas and a stronger foundation for the next stage of growth. It has also always been important for me to be a good employer and to create a workplace where employees enjoy their work," Marie says.
An apprenticeship for entrepreneurs gives both new and experienced business owners the opportunity to develop their business and leadership skills while continuing their daily work. Unlike a traditional apprenticeship, entrepreneurs study in their own company instead of being employed by another employer. The training is based on the real needs of the business.
The programme combines practical work with classroom studies, guidance and development assignments that can be used directly in the business. Entrepreneurs can complete a full vocational qualification or only selected qualification units. The studies may cover topics such as business development, finance and profitability, marketing, sales, leadership, digitalisation and business strategy.
Olav Nylund, Business Advisor at VASEK, previously worked for many years with apprenticeship training for entrepreneurs. He believes it is one of the best ways for entrepreneurs to improve both their skills and their business.
"Finding the time and structure to develop yourself and your business can be challenging. Apprenticeship training provides exactly that. Entrepreneurs receive support from a business mentor, structured learning and often study together with other entrepreneurs and professionals. The contacts and networks they build usually continue long after the training has ended," says Nylund.
An important part of the apprenticeship is the external mentor. The mentor acts as a coach, offering advice, feedback and support throughout the studies. The main goal is not only to receive a qualification certificate but to improve the business through practical development.
"I had an excellent mentor who has been incredibly valuable to me. We are still in contact, even several years after I completed my qualification," Marie says. Her final project also received special recognition within the programme.
During her studies, Marie focused on business growth, company development and staff leadership. Today, Vaasa INTOclean employs around ten people, and she believes the training has made a big difference in both areas.
"I gained much more confidence as an entrepreneur and many practical tools to turn my ideas into reality. I created a development plan for the future of the company and based it on real calculations and financial figures. We worked on practical questions such as investments, business development and how to manage everything effectively. This later led us to expand into the taxi business, and today our company owns two taxis," Marie explains.
Since then, her husband Mikko has left his job at ABB to work full-time in the family business. He has also purchased and renovated the company's own business premises in Klemetsö.
Marie is very satisfied with the apprenticeship training and everything it included.
"I have only positive things to say about it – the teachers, the study content, my mentor, everything. The support from the school gave me confidence, and the studies were organised in a very flexible and positive way. Thanks to the training, I can now keep a clear focus on our priorities and lead the company in a more balanced way," she says.
The training gave Marie practical support for the future. Since completing the qualification, she has also taken additional courses at Vamia, including courses in digitalisation.
"It always feels good to come back to Vamia," Marie says with a smile.
In the future, she wants to focus even more on developing the company for the benefit of its employees.
"We have been working on this for a long time, but now we have the opportunity to invest even more in our staff. I am very grateful to our team and to everyone who has worked with us over the years. I truly value partnership, cooperation and teamwork, and Vamia also supported me in developing this way of thinking," Marie concludes.
Text and photos: Anna Sand/bySand
- Running companies, new entrepreneurs, changes of ownership
- Innovation Boost project
- Regional responsibility: Malax, Vörå, Vaasa
