Entergr8 project built bridges to support the connection between employers and jobseekers

The Discussion Around Employment is Heating Up. Jobseekers are looking for work, and companies are looking for employees. The labour shortage is severe across many industries. Yet both sides say their search yields little success. Where does the problem lie, and what can be done?

In the Entergr8 project, carried out in cooperation with the City of Tampere, Tampere Adult Education Centre (TAKK), and Spring House Oy, we have already guided dozens of immigrants either directly into employment or closer to it. During the project, we have observed that one of the main challenges is that the paths of recruiters and jobseekers often run parallel but a few steps apart. To make these paths intersect, both employees and employers need more support and information.

Jobseekers may not have the latest information about job search channels or available employment opportunities. Their job application documents may be outdated, and the longer the unemployment period lasts, the harder it becomes to contact employers or fill out online applications. Employers, on the other hand, are often uncertain about where to find suitable candidates and how to define the required language skills for specific roles.

Many jobseekers who have moved to Finland have studied Finnish and completed vocational qualifications in fields where workers are in demand. They have often spent several years learning the language and completing a qualification because they have heard that in Finland, having a degree opens doors to the job market.

However, getting that first job can still be a challenge that is difficult to overcome. Currently, many jobseekers with immigrant backgrounds, vocational qualifications, language studies, and high motivation are actively applying for work, yet not finding employment. Meanwhile, there is a constant shortage of machinists, welders, cleaners, and many other professionals.

Typically, a recruitment process begins when a company publishes a job advertisement on its website and other job search channels. Applications are submitted, interviews are conducted, and hiring decisions are made. If no suitable candidate is found, the search continues – sometimes for so long that the need for the position disappears altogether.

What does the jobseeker do in the meantime? They update their CV, often with the help of a coach, save it on their computer, send an application, and wait. Then they send another, and wait again. Many jobseekers do not understand how the system works. They may believe that one application is enough or that their application remains valid for other positions within the same company after the closing date.

Later, they may follow up and be told that they will be contacted, but if they never hear back, they may lose confidence and stop applying. Limited energy or mental endurance can make it difficult to keep applying, and suitable opportunities are missed. The jobseeker is left alone and frustrated, and their potential remains unused.

Simple Tools, Stronger Encounters

The job search workshops organised within the Entergr8 project have proven to be an effective way to support employment, especially for clients who have exceeded the official integration period and may not have received job search guidance for some time. When a jobseeker can discuss their situation with a coach and explore job openings together, they often end up with several interview invitations after the session. The workshops also help participants practise calling employers. Even short conversations with peers can provide valuable encouragement and new perspectives on the job search.

During these meetings, jobseekers have also received practical information about job searching and local companies.

Lower Threshold for Work Trials and Flexible Language Requirements

To improve the matching of jobseekers and employers, more flexible employment solutions are needed, as well as support for understanding the Finnish job search process and culture. In Finland, self-direction and initiative are highly valued, and the job search does not end once the application form is submitted. This can be a demanding expectation for someone who has recently moved to Finland and is managing many other aspects of their life alongside job searching.

On the employer side, there is a need to better recognise the diversity of candidates. A person can be an excellent cleaner, kitchen worker, or driver even if they cannot produce a linguistically rich or polished job application.

Companies need more support and information to feel confident interviewing international candidates and hiring them even when the application is not perfect or the Finnish language skills are still developing. Through the Entergr8 project, companies can receive guidance and workshops on language awareness and the use of plain Finnish when recruiting and onboarding international employees. We will share more about these services in the next blog.

Employers need the courage to recognise the potential and motivation of jobseekers, which can be very strong despite limited language skills or work experience. Based on our experience, many jobseekers with immigrant backgrounds are highly motivated to work. Once they get started, many employers discover a long-term, reliable, and committed employee.

Tarja Liljeroos, TAKK

Anne-Mari Kaapu, Spring House Oy

The authors worked in the Entergr8 project, which provides support for employers in international recruitment and for immigrants in their job search. The project’s activities include workshops for work communities on welcoming international employees and using plain Finnish, as well as training and coaching for jobseekers to update their professional skills.

The main implementer of the project is the City of Tampere. The project is part of the city’s strategic programme on international expertise and immigration. The co-implementers are Tampere Adult Education Centre (TAKK) and Spring House Oy.

The Entergr8 project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the Sustainable Growth and Jobs 2014–2020 programme. The project is financed by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of Central Finland.

This blog was originally published on the website of Tampere Adult Education Centre (TAKK). pageOpens in a new tab.