Unlocking Potential: The Finland Talent Boost Programme

In the global talent acquisition sector, Finland stands out as a shining example with its innovative approach to retaining and attracting skilled professionals. At the forefront of the country’s success is the Finland Talent Boost Programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to harness international talent and drive innovation and development of the nation.

First launched in 2019, the Finland Talent Boost Programme is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness and fostering economic growth by promoting awareness, attracting and retaining international talent, and support the integration of foreign workers and students. The programme recognises the importance of a diverse and skilled workforce in driving innovation and productivity. A new stage of the programme is continuing from 2023-2027 and objectives are currently being set to secure the future of Finland’s workforce.

How the programme helps Finland’s international labour market

Finland’s tech talent market has taken somewhat of a U-turn in recent months. Going from a significant talent deficit in preceding years to mass layoffs and increased unemployment, circumstances have changed since the initiative was first introduced. Despite this, there are still areas of the market where companies are struggling to hire talent. This is where Finland’s Talent Boost Programme is of benefit.

Finland, like many other nations, is challenged with a skills shortage, especially in niche and specialised areas of tech. The Talent Boost Programme actively addresses these gaps by attracting international and foreign individuals with the required expertise, thereby meeting the demands of companies currently hiring in the market. This not only ensures the sustained growth of these companies but also contributes to the overall economic prosperity of the nation.

In addition to bridging the skills gap, attracting international talent brings diverse perspectives, experiences, and innovative ideas to Finland’s technical workforce. By infusing the labour market with a variety of skills and knowledge, the Talent Boost Programme plays a key role in driving innovation. This not only enhances the competitiveness of Finnish tech businesses on a global scale but also positions the country as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.

The Talent Boost Programme enriches Finland’s overall labour market by promoting cultural diversity and stimulating conversation on the openness of the workforce. Diversity brings a variety of perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. A diversified workforce enhances employee satisfaction and wellbeing but also contributes to a positive and vibrant corporate culture, making Finland a more attractive place to work.

Moreover, Finland faces an aging population and a declining birth rate. The Talent Boost initiative actively contributes to mitigating the demographic challenges associated with an aging workforce by encouraging new talent into the labour market, which is particularly valuable for the technology sector which faces the brunt of the talent shortage.

How does the Talent Boost Programme work?

Introduced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, and the Ministry of Education and Culture, the initiative relies on the central government, cities, educational institutions, businesses, and other parties ecosystemic collaboration.

The programme has developed certain measures to meet it’s aim of increasing international talent and diversify the nation’s workforce; companies have the support of international recruitment models which provide service paths to follow, offering more sponsorship and trainee programmes for foreign candidates, and giving funding to researchers, as well as giving grants to students to learn Finnish or Swedish. Companies with exceptional products or services also have the opportunity to receive funding to put towards their recruitment endeavours.

Engaging with third parties, such as recruitment companies, can help boost hiring activity. With the right funding in place, companies can work with specialist recruiters to broaden searches and resource international talent, as well as headhunting local talent that may not have been accessible otherwise.  The use of third parties to drive the Talent Boost is an effective measure to ensuring it’s success.

How we can help

Cathcart Technology Finland is proud of its unique origin. Our group of specialist recruitment consultants are all Finnish nationals who work hard to recruit top talent for Finland’s technology sector. Speaking both Finnish and English, our consultants have the ability to help grow your team to an international level and support your hiring needs.

Discover the difference partnering with our team of recruiters can make to your hiring activity. Contact a specialist today or visit our website to read more about our services.

More information

To find out how to get involved in the Finland Talent Boost Programme, click here.