Diverse Talents
The Diverse Talents – diversity to the labour market project promotes the employment of foreign-language speakers and increases the employers’
readiness for recruitment, receptiveness and expertise in issues related to diversity. Also, it addresses the labour shortage in the capital region.
The number of refugees and immigrants is increasing in European capitals. In the upcoming years, in the capital region, there will be even a greater need for quick ways to employ and integrate those who have just moved to the country.
From Dreams to Career Paths
From Dreams to Career Paths promotes the employment of young people aged 15 to 29 with refugee, asylum seeker, and immigrant backgrounds by providing culturally sensitive, family-centered work-life coaching. The project helps youth identify career paths that match their skills and interests while strengthening family support and practical work-life skills.
Together with local employers, educational institutions, and organizations in Oulu and Kuusamo, we create opportunities for young people to enter education or employment and support the region’s labor market needs.
Arctic Mentors
The Startup Refugees Arctic Mentors project promotes immigrant employment in Lapland by improving recruitment readiness and diversity expertise among employers. It addresses labor shortages and enhances the ability of social enterprises to serve as employment pathways for migrants.
Key challenges include migrants’ lack of professional networks and language skills, leading to underemployment despite a shortage of skilled workers in Finland. The project provides mentoring to 200 migrants and collaborates with 20 companies to form 40 mentor-mentee pairs, aiming for 60 migrants to secure employment.
The project targets unemployed migrants and businesses in sectors with labor shortages, like tourism and logistics. It integrates traditional and reverse mentoring to support a diverse workforce, strengthen professional networks, and encourage businesses to embrace diversity.
Kotona maaseudulla
The Kotona maaseudulla – pitovoimaa yrittäjyydestä project supports immigrants’ settlement in rural and sparsely populated areas by promoting low-threshold entrepreneurship and strengthening the attractiveness and vitality of rural communities. The project responds to population decline and labour shortages while increasing internationality and diversity in rural areas.
Key challenges include limited access to entrepreneurial guidance, local networks and services for immigrants in rural regions, despite their strong potential to contribute to local economies. The project develops practical operating models and digital tools that support immigrants in starting businesses and becoming active members of local communities.
The project targets immigrants interested in entrepreneurship as well as regional and local actors working to strengthen rural vitality. By combining digital learning, mentoring, networking and concrete retention models, the project supports long-term integration, enhances regional competitiveness and helps rural areas sustainably benefit from immigration.
Tsemppari
The City of Vantaa and Startup Refugees are implementing the Tsemppari Employment Coaching project to promote the employment and integration of migrants through culturally and linguistically informed guidance. The project helps participants identify their opportunities in the Finnish labor market and make their skills visible to employers.
Coaching is provided both individually and in groups, focusing on job search, study opportunities, and Finnish work culture. Participants receive support in Ukrainian, Russian, and Arabic with CVs, job applications, interview preparation, and understanding work rights. In addition to practical guidance, the coaching helps participants build confidence, identify their strengths, and navigate the expectations of Finnish employers. Group sessions create opportunities to share experiences and learn from others in similar situations, while individual meetings ensure that each participant’s personal goals and needs are taken into account.
The Tsemppari office at Leinikkitie 22 A, 01350 Vantaa, 2nd floor is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00, offering accessible and inclusive support for migrants. The project builds on nine years of development by the City of Vantaa to strengthen cooperation between authorities and NGOs and promote equal opportunities in the Finnish labor market.
Mentoring For a Better Future
The Startup Refugees Mentoring Program supports newcomers in building their careers in Finland by connecting them with experienced professionals across different sectors. Through personalised guidance and sector-specific insight, the program helps participants understand opportunities in the Finnish labour market and present their skills effectively to employers.
Mentoring is provided through one-on-one meetings where mentors and mentees work together on job search strategies, career planning, and understanding Finnish work culture. Participants receive support with CVs and LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and expanding their professional networks, while gaining valuable perspectives from professionals already working in Finland.
The program has grown steadily over the years through collaborations with companies and organisations such as Tietoevry, Netlight, Telia, Plan International, Amnesty, Diakonissalaitos, Sweco, and Nordea. These partnerships ensure that the mentoring responds to real labour market needs and offers relevant, up-to-date knowledge. With nine mentoring programs organised so far, the initiative continues to strengthen pathways for newcomers seeking meaningful employment and equal opportunities in Finland.
Read the latest press release by Tietoevry here.