Project helps Lapland-based jobseekers find work

Finding a suitable job is less difficult for the Lapland-based jobseekers now since they now have a chance to join the Innovation Assistant Project.

The project runs a complementary training programme that combines training and work for two targeted groups: the jobseekers and the employees companies.

The project is being jointly implemented by the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lapland UAS), European Union Fund, Centre of Business, Transport and Environment and other partners to help jobseekers identify their skills and knowledge innovatively in connecting with the businesses.

Having been implemented from last autumn until this spring, the project has already attracted about 35 jobseekers.

The next training programme is scheduled to run from September 11 to December 8, 2017.

To take part in the project, the jobseekers need to be at least 25 years old and based in Lapland with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

The companies and organisations joining the project will provide job placements, facilities and training sessions for the job seekers. The trainers are trained by highly qualified teachers from the local universities and outsourced experts who are working in the areas of Service Design, International Marketing, Sales, Project Management, and Finance.

The project is implemented in two main phrases. In the first phase of one-month period, the participants are taught the basic knowhow in sharpening their skills and practising their knowledge in accordance with the requirements of businesses, as well as learning how to market their skills and expertise.

In the second phase of three months, the participants find a working placement and start their own innovation projects, while participating companies clarify their job descriptions and requirements for a better fit.

Most importantly, the project aims to connect the needs of participants and local businesses.

“It is really a big challenge for the Lappish companies to find a suitable staff,” said Elisa Lahti, the project planner at Multidimensional Tourism Institute of the Lapland UAS. For some local companies working in specific areas like engineering, it is difficult to find employees, because the well-trained ones are usually located in Southern Finland.

The organisers of the project hope to inspire both participants and companies in running innovative projects, while equipping them with updated skills and know-how in today’s fast-changing career market.

In fact, innovation is necessary for all jobseekers in Lapland, since they will enhance their possibility of running new projects or pursuing another career, instead of completely relying on seasonal works during wintertime.

With the initial outcomes, it is expected to have another international version of Innovative Assistant Project, since the need for international human resources is getting higher.

In the regions with tourism potential like Lapland, more opportunities will be given to the international graduates, especially those who can speak Asian languages or having proper knowledge of Asian culture. “We hope to find a mechanism to connect the international jobseekers and local companies because there is huge need for that,” Lahti told the Daily Finland.