Over the past two weeks, together with wonderful colleagues, I have had the opportunity to present the job and career possibilities in the Jakobstad region to more than 1,200 young people and some of their parents. Both at the Sursik education fair for 9th graders, where parents also participated, and with all 8th graders and first‑year upper secondary students in the region as they prepared for OptiCareer Day. We also visited several upper secondary schools.
OptiCareer Day ’26 took place on Wednesday, 28 January, and both participants and exhibitors were very satisfied. I am truly proud of what OptiCareer Day has built over the years! For the eighth time, we filled the Optima Hall with more than 40 companies meeting two different generations of young people from the Jakobstad region. The company fair is the core of the event, but in addition, we can present—trilingually—what the region offers on the labour market and provide coaching related to job seeking, summer jobs, and study choices.
OptiCareer Day is built on extensive collaboration involving all educational providers and municipalities in the region. Vocational institutions present their study opportunities, and upper secondary students gain an overview of university and higher education paths. Above all, companies get the chance to showcase their future employment opportunities to young people.
The fair recorded more than 1,200 visitors, and the general public also had the opportunity to meet local businesses, whether for job seeking, exploring new career paths, or simply out of interest in our diverse business community.
The fact that so many companies take part shows a clear understanding of the importance of employer branding directed at young people. And the fact that companies experienced the youth as active, curious, and eager to ask questions bodes well for the future.
A warm thank‑you to everyone who, year after year, invests their motivation, work effort, and dedication in making this event a success!
Fredrik Sandelin, Regional Developer
044 324 3435
fredrik.sandelin@concordia.jakobstad.fi