Making Better Use of the Skills of Highly Educated Immigrants – A New Model Combines Education and the Workplace

The educational model developed by Turku University of Applied Sciences and the Loimaa Evangelical Folk High School offers a solution to the growing labor shortage. When students gain a foothold in the workforce at local companies while still in school, they are more likely to remain in the region after graduation.

The “Southwest region employs” project developed an operational model for immigrants living in Finland who have completed higher education studies abroad. At its best, the model can strengthen both individuals’ employment prospects and the vitality of the regions.

– Employers report difficulties in recruiting qualified professionals, particularly for positions in the social and health care sectors, as well as in business and administration. Professional skills do not currently align with the labor market in the best possible way, says Project Manager Minna Björkberg-Suominen of Turku University of Applied Sciences.

The “Southwest region employs” project created a training model that closely links the training of international professionals to the Finnish workforce from the very beginning of their studies. The model combines degree-granting higher education, long-term on-the-job training, and corporate partnerships into a cohesive whole.

A Faster Path to a Degree and a Job

In the new model, immigrants’ prior learning and on-the-job training are an integral part of the entire learning path. They support motivation to study and a faster transition into the workforce.  

The recognition of college credits earned previously abroad makes it possible for a student to complete a 3.5-year degree in as little as about two years.

– Students build on their existing expertise; in other words, they do not start their professional path over from scratch. Finding employment is a cross-cutting goal throughout the entire learning process, Björkberg-Suominen emphasizes.

The educational model is based on close collaboration with companies that offer internships. According to Björkberg-Suominen, students should be able to develop their skills in real-world settings early on in their studies. At the same time, this helps build professional networks that support employment.

The bold use of the Finnish language fosters a sense of commitment

The “Southwest region employs” project has organized training programs in business and social services for immigrants. About fifty students who had received a high level of education abroad or completed higher education studies were selected to participate.

The study paths were tailored to take their prior studies into account and to support them in completing their degrees in a flexible manner. Classes were held at the Loimaa Evangelical Adult Education Center twice a week; the rest of the week was spent doing internships at partner companies.

According to Minna Björkberg-Suominen, the project participants’ knowledge of the Finnish workforce has increased as a result, their Finnish language skills have improved, and their chances of finding employment in a field related to their education have improved.

– In particular, the confident use of the Finnish language has been identified as a key factor in fostering commitment to the workplace. The project’s partner companies have observed that the students’ language skills have improved significantly during their studies.

A Handbook for Employers and Education Providers

Experts from Turku University of Applied Sciences and the Loimaa Evangelical Folk High School are preparing a publication which seeks solutions not only for the employment of highly educated immigrants but also for strengthening Loimaa’s business community.

The handbook, developed as part of a joint project, has been published online as part of Turku University of Applied Sciences’ “Talk Guides and Course Materials” series. The “Southwest region employs” project was co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus.

Check out the manual (in Finnish)

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