Recruitment fairs have followed one another in recent weeks and the Jakobstad region, together with its companies, has showcased job and summer work opportunities across Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia. As new generations prepare to enter the labor market, we took the opportunity to ask fair visitors about their priorities in working life. The results highlighted that “a good personnel policy” ranked highest, followed closely by development opportunities and salary. Work-life balance came in third, while flexible working hours were seen as slightly less critical. However, all factors were rated as important, with each scoring above 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
On the home front, OptiCareer Day, held on 22 January, brought together over 40 companies and employers who engaged with Jakobstad region’s eighth graders, first-year secondary students, highe education students, and the general public. The event attracted over 1200 young attendees. More than just a typical fair, the day offered trilingual lectures tailored to different target groups and presentations of all vocational training opportunities in the region.
At the Edu+Job fair in Kokkola on 28 January, 9 companies and employers from the Jakobstad region participated, showcasing a strong desire for increased visibility. Given that approximately 1 200 people commute daily between Kokkola and Jakobstad, this area functions as a natural commuting zone for the regional workforce. The number of visitors at the Edu+ Job fair felt a little thin, but it is important that the Jakobstad region is also visible here.
The Talent Forum fair in Vaasa on 4 February was held in a new location in the ‘Veturitalli’ in Wärtilä’s old premises. The event was well-attended, with many visitors being international talents who either had a Finnish degree in their pocket or who were still pursuing their studies here. 12 companies from or operating in the Jakobstad region were present.
When you stand in the exhibition stand for three whole days, you realize again how many positive things the Jakobstad region has to offer. We also get feedback, and some visitors say that there are challenges in reaching the companies. Also that they don’t even get answers to direct or open applications. There is room for improvement here, recruitment processes need to be in order in a region that has a great need to attract new talent. Efficient and responsive recruitment processes in at least three languages are crucial.
Concordia collaborated with the new Jakobstad Region Employment Area at all fairs. Thank you to everyone involved for making these events productive and meaningful!
More information about the job opportunities in the Jakobstad Region can be found at: https://www.jakobstadsregionen.fi/en/work-here/
If you have any thoughts or would like to discuss further about the topics above, please contact Fredrik Sandelin, Regional Developer, 044-324 3435, fredrik.sandelin@concordia.jakobstad.fi
