Mikkeli Region Employment Services offer a range of services to support foreign-language jobseekers. On this page, you will find information about how we can help you during your integration process and beyond.
Services during the Integration Period
You will create an integration plan together with a specialist. The plan outlines the steps you will take to integrate into life in the Mikkeli region and Finland.
The integration plan can include various services to support your integration, such as:
- Social orientation
- Integration training
- Literacy training
- Finnish language and culture studies
- Completing basic education or vocational training
- Different types of training and job search coaching
The integration period begins when your first integration plan is created.
If you are a jobseeker, the plan will be made with us at Employment Services. In some cases, a social worker may also be involved.
Read more: Integration plan (kotoutuminen.fi)
In integration training helps you learn Finnish language and culture. You will also receive information about Finnish working life.
The training includes:
- Classroom teaching
- Online education
- Work placements at realworkplace
Integration training is organised as labour market training by the Employment Services. Your personal coach will assess whether this training suits your needs.
The training consists of 1-4 modules, each lasting 60 or 100 days.
Read more: Integration training (kotoutuminen.fi)
Voluntary studies agreed upon in the integration plan are an alternative to official integration training. These studies are beneficial if:
- There are no available places in integration training, or
- You find a program that better suits your needs.
Voluntary studies may be offered by local schools or online providers.
In Mikkeli, for example:
- Otavan Opisto offers basic education for adult immigrants
- Mikkeli Adult Education Centre provides Finnish language courses.
Voluntary studies must be approved in your integration plan before you can begin your studies. If you find a suitable course, contact your specialist immediately
A specialist will support your integration into Mikkeli region and Finland. Together, you’ll explore best options for your employment or studies.
Your specialist can refer you to
- Integration training
- Finnish language courses
- Other services that support your goals
You will also receive information about education and work in Finland.
Our goal is to help you find employment – through coaching, training, work experience, or wage subsidy jobs.
Services After the Integration Period
Once your integration period ends, you will be assigned a new specialist. Together, you will prepare an employment plan.
The plan will outline the next steps to help you find a job or training opportunity. For example, your specialist may refer you to a services that support job searching or career development.
After your integration period, the goal is that you can mostly communicate with Employment Services in Finnish.
Many services require basic Finnish language skills, and many employers expect jobseekers to already speak some Finnish.
Practising Finnish regularly is very important. Language skills are a big advantage when looking for work in Finland.
Your personal coach will tell you about the services we offer and help you choose the right ones for your situation.
You can also explore the different services on our website.
Other useful Resources:
Integration services – Mikkeli
Welcome to Finland guide – Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment