The employment situation for young people aged 15–29 with refugee, asylum seeker and immigrant backgrounds can be challenging. Young people in this group have very different educational backgrounds, language skills, work experience and life situations, but many face additional barriers when entering education or working life. Limited Finnish language skills, lack of professional networks, difficulties navigating the Finnish education and employment systems, and limited access to individual guidance can all make the transition more difficult. Some young people may also feel pressure to choose studies or career paths based on the expectations of others rather than their own strengths and interests. This can affect motivation and increase the risk of dropping out of education or remaining outside employment, education and training. 

The From Dreams to Career Paths project supports young people in Oulu and Kuusamo through culturally sensitive and family-centred work-life coaching. Before joining the programme, participants meet individually with the project team to discuss their situation, interests, goals and dreams. The coaching then combines small-group workshops, personal career guidance, education and career exploration, and practical planning. Whenever possible, support is provided in participants’ native or strongest languages. Young people can also meet employers, educational institutions and other professionals and take part in workplace or campus visits. The aim is to help each participant identify realistic next steps towards employment, education or other suitable services. 

A distinctive part of the project is that young people are not supported in isolation. Parents and other close adults, such as guardians, siblings, relatives or family friends, can have an important influence on education and career decisions. The project brings young people and their close adults into the same process through shared workshops, discussions and planning. Families receive practical information about Finnish working life, education, vocational training and different routes into employment. The aim is to strengthen communication within families and help young people make informed decisions about their futures while receiving meaningful support from the people closest to them. 

The project also works directly with employers, educational institutions, cities, organisations and professionals in the region. Companies can participate through workplace visits, expert sessions, mock interviews, networking events and other activities. This gives young people an opportunity to learn directly from employers while allowing companies to meet potential future employees and gain a better understanding of their skills, ambitions and experiences. Professionals working with young people also receive training in culturally sensitive and trauma- and crisis-aware guidance. The project therefore works on both sides of the labour market: young people gain skills, knowledge, networks and access to opportunities, while employers and service providers strengthen their ability to support people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. 

From Dreams to Career Paths runs from 2026 to 2028 in Oulu and Kuusamo. During the project, the aim is to involve 200 young people, 100 parents or other close adults, and 30 employers, companies, educational institutions or organisations. The project also aims to provide around 600 individual career-coaching meetings and several coaching programmes, workshops, trainings and visits. At least 100 young people are expected to enter employment or begin studies, while a broader target is for 70% of participating young people to progress towards employment, education or active job seeking. 

Another important part of the project is outreach. Young people are reached through local organisations, educational institutions, youth services, community networks and Startup Refugees’ own networks. Activities are also organised in low-threshold settings such as libraries, schools, youth spaces and events, making it easier for young people to access support outside traditional employment services. The aim is to reach young people early and connect them with guidance, education and employment opportunities that fit their individual situation.

The practices, tools and lessons developed during the project will be compiled into a publicly available From Dreams to Career Paths Toolkit. The toolkit will allow municipalities, employers, educational institutions, organisations and professionals in Northern Ostrobothnia and elsewhere in Finland to adapt the model to their own work. The longer-term goal is to create a practical and scalable approach that recognises that a young person’s career path is shaped not only by individual guidance, but also by family, community, employers and the services around them.