The Finnish State Railways, VR, plans to hire a couple thousand new workers within the next
few years.
Nearly a quarter of its workforce will retire by the year 2013, a total of 1,850 employees.
VR plans to hire nearly 2,000 rail employees to deal with the labour loss.
The company says it particularly needs more engine drivers, conductors, mechanics and
railway yard workers. VR estimates it will hire some 350 to 450 railway workers annually over
the coming years.
The company plans to train most of the new workers itself. For example conductors, engine
drivers and railway yard workers will receive training at VR's training centre in Helsinki.
Currently VR employs about 1,900 engine drivers, 1,700 railway yard workers, 900 mechanics
and 800 conductors. Some 7,500 people work for the state-owned company.