Metrosert’s metrologists Jaana and Olle Veltri are a lovely married couple who share both a professional and sporting passion. In the following interview, they talk about how they found their way into metrology and how work and sport can be combined. They also have a number of sports achievements to show for it: this spring, the Metrosert metrologists’ team, which included Jaana and Olle, won the Tehnopol step challenge by collecting a record-breaking 2,558,159 steps as a team of four. They also recently completed the Tallinn Marathon, and their future plans include a 24-hour run.
How did your career in metrology begin?
Jaana: My background is in mining engineering, but my career has led me through several technical fields – from blasting in quarries to metrology. I originally studied mining engineering at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and later worked in the laboratory of the Road Administration, dealing with asphalt. Since that work felt too monotonous, I started looking for new challenges and applied to Metrosert.
Olle: My path was different. After finishing high school, I studied to become a joiner-upholsterer, but unfortunately, I didn’t complete the training. I tried out several jobs – working as an assembler, in a parking management center, as a customer service clerk, and as a laboratory technician. All these jobs felt boring after a year, and I had the feeling that I could manage anything. At Metrosert, I’ve never felt that way. I came to Metrosert when they were looking for a metrologist in mass and force fields. I had a good reference within the organization. After completing a trial day, I got the job.
What does your everyday work consist of?
Jaana: I am a metrologist specializing in temperature, physics, and chemistry. My daily work involves calibrating various instruments such as thermometers, thermal cabinets, refrigerators, and autoclaves. In other words, I check how accurately these devices measure temperature and determine the corrections needed for the client.
I work both in the laboratory and on-site – for example, I recently spent time in Saaremaa calibrating instruments at several companies. While some clients bring their devices to us, fieldwork is often required as well.
My profession demands continuous learning and adaptability, as every device has its own characteristics and principles of operation. Previously, I worked with narrowly defined measuring instruments, but now I have expanded my competence to small-volume calibration, such as pipettes.
Olle: I mainly work in the field of force. I calibrate, for instance, presses in concrete factories and torque wrenches. This job is exciting because I get to travel and see different companies and equipment. For example, I’ve worked with presses from the 1960s as well as brand-new models that can run custom programs. Once, a client brought in a device with a Chinese-language menu, and calibrating it was quite a challenge. In the end, YouTube came to the rescue. That’s why a metrologist needs to be resourceful and constantly acquire new skills. For me, it’s lifelong learning.
How important is accuracy in your work?
Jaana and Olle: This job requires both technical precision and analytical thinking – and it’s precisely this combination that makes it so interesting and challenging for us.
How did you get into sports, and why do you do it together?
Jaana: Both of us used to be very overweight and didn’t enjoy exercise at all. About five years ago, we decided to make a change – we started monitoring our diet and committed to a healthier lifestyle.
I started running during the COVID period when gyms were closed, and I had to find a new way to stay active. Fresh air, movement, and a clear mind quickly became a natural part of my daily life.
After some time, I felt I wanted to try something more – and so came the decision to run a marathon. My very first race was a full marathon – a leap into the unknown, but at the same time an incredibly motivating goal.
Olle: I had issues with both my weight and my knee. Running didn’t suit me for a long time, so I started going for walks with Jaana instead. That way, we can spend quality time together and talk about everything. A morning walk before work helps get both the body and the brain going. Usually, we walk for an hour. Since we live right next to Metrosert, we take a detour on our way to work.
What are your sporting achievements and future plans?
Jaana and Olle: This year, we won the Tehnopol step challenge – last year, we came in second. Our daily activity is supported by morning and weekend walks. Olle has also found enjoyment in disc golf, which is a fun way to collect steps and spend time outdoors.
One of our shared dreams is to participate in a 24-hour run, held every year in early June. We’re still training and preparing for it step by step, but the goal is clear. Will we make it to the starting line next year? Time will tell. The important thing is that we are moving toward this goal together – one step at a time.
