Cooperation forum # 3
…. IN WHICH WE FACED THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE FINNISH LABOR MARKET
Gunta Ahlfors of the Family Federation of Finland opened the forum with her presentation on integration and the Finnish working life. She pointed out that it is not only one’s educational background, job-seeking skills or language skills that affect one’s employability but at the same time, personal characteristics such as motivation, interest, self-awareness, values, and courage also play very important roles. Societal and structural issues such as lack of social networks, mistrust, prejudice, and discrimination make the whole process more difficult and challenging. "There are a lot of available options but immigrants are not always ready or prepared to make their own choices / decisions, and as such, this leads to certain immigrant job niches as well as to a huge risk of directing immigrants to professions that they are not really personally interested in."
CHALLENGES
1. “Enough language skills” –
what does this mean?
2. Professional skills vs. language skills – which is more important?
3. International experience and education are important but not valued!
4. Discrimination, Racism, prejudice and mistrust.
POSSIBILITIES
1. Tailored language courses → different ways, various forms and needs-based.
2. Information center that is easily accessible, using social networks and other channels of information. Mentors.
3. Integration services for everyone!
4. Organize campaigns and trainings
5. Anonymous CVs