Background

Many newcomers in Vantaa struggle to enter the job market due to limited guidance in English, lack of networks, and unclear services. Employers, on the other hand, have had few tools to connect with international job seekers. The project was launched to address these gaps and create smoother employment routes from the very start of settling in Vantaa.

Objectives

Job Seekers

• Provide accessible, English-language support for job search and career planning.
• Help participants secure their first job in Vantaa.
• Strengthen job search skills and readiness for the Finnish labour market.

Employers and SMEs

• Create a clear mentoring model to support recruitment of international job seekers.
• Offer tools for onboarding and supporting new employees.

City and Employment Services

• Build a Work First service model to be introduced when municipalities assume responsibility for employment services in 2025.
• Develop a service pathway linking employers, guidance services and job seekers.

Project Activities

During the project we…

• identified barriers to employment and service needs among immigrants,
• designed the Work First model together with job seekers, employers and the City of Vantaa,
• developed and delivered English-language career coaching throughout 2024,
• created a mentoring model for SMEs to support international employees,
• tested the model through workshops, career coaching and employer collaboration,
• published articles, materials and webinars based on project insights and best practices.