Abdallah Ghlafan and Angelo Mutijima have been working for ABB for almost five years. At the Smart Power factory in Vaasa, they appreciate the continuous learning opportunities and working together as a team.
"The desire to learn new things and continuous improvement is important. That's how we proceed towards our goals," says Abdallah. "I like the open and helpful atmosphere at our workplace. I appreciate the fact that you can ask anyone, from colleagues to management, for advice - and you always get help," says Abdallah, who was born in Sudan.
Abdallah has a teaching qualification and has earlier worked as a teacher of English and Arabic, which is why it was natural for him to start studying Finnish straight after arriving at Finland with his family eight years ago. Now he can manage with the language pretty well. Five years ago, Abdallah went to Vamia to study a completely new field, electronics and automation. After his traineeship at ABB, he continued first as an hourly paid trainee and then as a summer intern, and has since worked with an external contract.
Abdallah Ghlafan (left) and Angelo Mutijima has been working at the Smart Power factory for five years. 
Abdallah and Angelo got to know each other during their studies in Vamia and have worked as colleagues at ABB after graduating.
Abdallah is a member of the Hurricane team as a team assembler, where his tasks consist of assembling, testing and packaging the switches.
"Abdallah knows the quality targets of our factory and is one of the valued members of the team," says team leader Ari Nukala. "Abdallah is very flexible and is often able to extend the working week when the work situation requires it. He carries out his duties with professionalism and a good attitude," says Ari.
From classmates to colleagues
Abdallah met Angelo at Vamia, and the two colleagues have worked together for a similar length of time in the Smart Power factory since their studies. Born in Burundi and educated in Rwanda, Angelo had studied electrical engineering and electronics, so he started his studies at Vamia straight from the second year and as new areas, he mainly had to familiarize himself with European standards and new technologies. He also has a bachelor's degree in computer sales from Rwanda and a wide range of work experience, including team leader roles. Also Angelo started studying Finnish immediately after his arrival.
Today, Angelo has a permanent job in Smart Power, which he is very happy about. He has moved from the Hurricane team to the TrueONE team which is responsible for switch configuration, and as his skills have grown, the job role has expanded to include that of a welding cell operator, which is a goal for all team members.
Angelo really enjoys working in Finland. "There are clear working hours here and you have a say in how you plan your shifts. We can anticipate things and we are a team," says Angelo. "I really appreciate the fact that I can work and develop in such a working environment and be part of Finnish society."
"Angelo is already working very independently as an operator using the welding cell, and continues to develop in his role," says Ari. "In addition, Angelo can always be easily asked to help when work situations require flexibility," mentions Ari.
In his free time, Angelo enjoys photography, as in addition to his background in the IT sector, he has worked as a wedding photographer, and has also captured many wild animals while working on tourist safaris. He keeps fit by playing basketball and using the Smart Power's personnel gym. But most important of all is the time he spends with his family.
Abdallah also spends most of his free time with his family, as his children have many hobbies. Abdallah himself enjoys football, listening to music and reading.
"It's nice to work with good colleagues. Things run smoothly and it's always nice to start a new work day," the men sum up the importance of colleagues. On Valentine's Day, Smart Power celebrates teamwork with a sweet treat.
