New Pilot Connects International Talent with Companies in Central Ostrobothnia
A growing demand for skilled professionals among companies in Central Ostrobothnia and the employment challenges faced by highly educated international graduates are being addressed in a new pilot initiative launched by Centria University of Applied Sciences and the Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area. The pilot offers international recent graduates an opportunity to enter positions that match their education while helping companies gain practical experience of working with international talent.
In the future, companies in Central Ostrobothnia will need an increasing number of skilled employees as the population ages and the number of people of working age declines. At the same time, the region’s higher education institutions are graduating international students whose education and expertise equip them well to meet companies’ talent needs. However, many recent graduates still face difficulties in securing positions that correspond to their qualifications.
The employment of international students and recent graduates in their own fields has been recognized as a nationwide challenge in Finland. Employment opportunities are often limited by a lack of professional networks, few opportunities to demonstrate skills in practice, and employers’ limited experience in recruiting international professionals. At the same time, access to skilled labour is a critical factor for the growth and renewal of many companies.
To address these challenges, Centria University of Applied Sciences and the Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area have launched a pilot employment programme for international recent graduates. Through the pilot, three international graduates with immigrant backgrounds will be employed by regional companies for six months in positions that correspond to their education and expertise.
“Centria has actively led the region’s Talent Hub and brought together stakeholders involved in the employment of international professionals for quite some time. We see the practical challenges of employment in the current situation, which is why it is great that the Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area is offering concrete solutions that enable local companies to benefit from the potential of our students,” says Francesca Cucinotta, Director of International Affairs at Centria.
One of the graduates employed through the pilot is Confidence Uche, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate from Centria, who is currently working at By Olivia Oy on tasks related to order and inventory processes.
“Getting my first job in Finland after graduation felt extremely significant. Finding employment as an international professional can be challenging, so this opportunity strengthened my belief that my skills are valued in Finnish working life as well. At the same time, I feel more strongly connected to this region and see a bright future for myself here,” says Uche.
The pilot aims to create a low-threshold pathway between international talent and regional employers. For companies, it provides an opportunity to get to know professionals in practical work situations and evaluate their capabilities in a real working environment. For recent graduates, it offers a chance to gain work experience, build professional networks, and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.
AnnHelen Furubacka, Chief Operating Officer of By Olivia Oy, says the company joined the pilot due to both its workforce needs and previous positive experiences.
“Confidence was already familiar to us as seasonal support during the busy Christmas period, and we knew she had performed very well in his role. When we heard about Centria’s pilot programme, it felt like a natural opportunity to continue our cooperation,” Furubacka explains.
The company’s experiences have remained positive since the employment began.
“Confidence has integrated well into our work community and is eager to learn the Finnish language. She has also brought forward his own ideas and perspectives, which we have welcomed positively,” says Furubacka.
Uche notes that one aspect of Finnish working life that particularly surprised her was the high level of trust placed in employees:
“I received a warm welcome and was immediately given responsibility as well as the opportunity to participate in meaningful work tasks. I have learned a great deal about how different functions within a company are connected and how important collaboration is in everyday work.”
At the same time, the pilot supports the integration of international professionals into Central Ostrobothnia and lowers the threshold for companies to engage in international recruitment. The goal is to strengthen the vitality of the region, address companies’ growing need for skilled professionals, and encourage international talent to build their future in Central Ostrobothnia.
Furubacka also encourages other companies to make use of international expertise.
“Just go for it. International professionals bring valuable skills and perspectives, while also creating opportunities to learn about new cultures.”
More Companies Are Still Welcome to Join
The pilot is still seeking additional companies interested in offering international recent graduates positions that correspond to their education and expertise.
Companies interested in participating can contact Jaska Pensaari from the Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area. Centria supports employers throughout different stages of the recruitment process, with Emilia Nygård serving as Centria’s contact person. In addition, the Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area provides support with residence permit processes to ensure that hiring international professionals is as smooth as possible for employers.
Further Information
Jaska Pensaari, Employment Services Specialist, Central Ostrobothnia Employment Area, Tel. +358 6 828 9813, jaska.pensaari@kokkola.fi
Emilia Nygård, Working Life and Career Services, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Tel. +358 50 408 1618, emilia.nygard@centria.fi