As technology advances and global dynamics shift, the demand for skilled professionals in the defense and security sector continues to rise. Changes in Europe’s security landscape and long procurement cycles are increasing the pressure for rapid response and talent availability.
ILS professionals play a critical role in the defense and security sector. Since no formal ILS education exists in Finland, Patria has long been forced to train its ILS experts by themselves.
To streamline recruitment, Patria partnered with Academic Work to develop an Academy training program for ILS. Over a 12-week period, motivated and fast-learning individuals receive ILS training, after which they begin assignments at Patria and continue building their expertise through practical work.
Now, Patria’s ILS Director Antti Tiesalo explains how the industry’s talent shortage is being tackled, and why solving it is crucial for the entire defense sector.
What is ILS—and why is it vital in defense?
Integrated Lifecycle Support (ILS) ensures that a product is supported throughout its entire lifecycle, from design and deployment to maintenance and upgrades. In defense and security, this is critical, as systems like vehicles and weapons platforms are highly complex and built to last.
“When we manufacture a physical product, like a vehicle, we’re simultaneously designing and implementing a system that enables its effective use throughout its lifecycle,” explains Patria’s ILS Director, Antti Tiesalo.
“This ensures the end user can operate and maintain the system safely and efficiently for years to come.”
Patria needed faster, more efficient ways to recruit and train ILS professionals. That’s where Academy came in:
“The ILS training program provided by Academic Work is unique. This kind of education simply isn’t available anywhere else in Finland,” Tiesalo notes.
Solving the talent shortage in defense
According to Tiesalo, finding new ways to attract and train talent, including career changers, is essential for the future of the industry.
“Through the ILS Academy intensive program, we’ve successfully discovered motivated and fast-learning individuals.”
The collaboration with Academic Work offers Patria a long-term solution to the talent shortage. Through this program, engineers and tech enthusiasts with a passion for complex systems are recruited and ready to contribute from day one.
These program graduates aren’t seen as temporary resources, but as potential long-term hires.
Who is defense and security work suited for?
Contrary to common assumptions, a military background isn’t required to work in the defense sector. The best fit are individuals with an interest in technology and engineering—and a desire to grow their skills.
“Curiosity and a willingness to learn are the most important traits. You don’t need to be an expert to start, what matters is the right mindset and interest in technical systems,” Tiesalo emphasizes.
Academic Work’s Academy program offers career changers an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in an industry where future security solutions are developed every day.
“Here, you get to work on things you wouldn’t even get to see anywhere else,” Tiesalo sums up, echoing Patria’s slogan.
How Academic Work and Patria are securing the future of defense talent
The partnership has helped Patria address immediate hiring challenges while also building a sustainable model for talent development.
“When the right people are placed in the right roles, we can ensure the critical defense sector remains competitive and operationally reliable well into the future.”
The talent shortage won’t be solved overnight, but with innovative solutions it’s possible to build a highly skilled and future-ready workforce.
Read more about the collaboration between Academic Work and Patria >>