The employment situation for young people aged 15 to 29 with refugee, asylum seeker, and immigrant backgrounds in Finland is challenging. Many face barriers such as limited language skills, varying educational backgrounds, and a lack of guidance aligned with their personal interests. These obstacles can reduce motivation, increase the risk of school dropout, and result in long-term exclusion from the labor market. A significant number of young people with an immigrant background are not in employment, education, or training, representing a loss of potential workforce and contributing to local labor shortages.

The From Dreams to Career Paths project supports young people in Oulu and Kuusamo through culturally sensitive, family-centered work-life coaching. The program combines workshops, personal career guidance, and planning sessions conducted in participants’ native languages, helping youth identify career paths aligned with their skills and aspirations. The approach actively involves parents and close adults, strengthening family support and promoting practical work-life skills. Outreach work ensures that even the most vulnerable youth can access guidance and opportunities.

The project brings employers, educational institutions, cities, and organizations together in a collaborative model. Companies participate directly in coaching activities, gaining insight into the talents, skills, and ambitions of young job seekers. By working with employers from the start, the project helps match young people to the right work opportunities while supporting local labor market needs and easing regional labor shortages. Partners also receive training and guidance on how to effectively engage and integrate youth with immigrant backgrounds into their teams.

Through this model, the project expects at least 100 young people to enter employment or education. At least 70 percent of participating youth and 40 percent of their close adults will progress in their career or educational paths. Employers will gain access to motivated talent, while professionals working with youth will improve their skills and service capacity. Family interaction and support networks will also be strengthened.

The practices developed in the project will be compiled into a publicly available toolkit, enabling employers, organizations, and cities across Northern Ostrobothnia and other parts of Finland to adopt the model. From Dreams to Career Paths demonstrates that early engagement, family involvement, and close cooperation with employers can create sustainable employment pathways for young people with immigrant backgrounds, benefiting both the individuals and the local labor market.