The City of Outokumpu invited network actors to a workshop on January 20, 2026 to consider solutions to reduce unemployment in the community. Based on the overall picture formed by the actors' speeches, solutions were sought in workshop discussions.. The most prominent issue was supporting young people and providing guidance for working life.
Municipal complementary services are increasingly important
Director of the North Karelia Employment Region Riikka Vartiainen described the employment services as a whole and said that there are almost 18,000 job seekers as customers, of whom just over 11,000 are unemployed. State subsidies for employment management are significantly lower than in previous years, so supplementary services from municipalities are even more important in employment management. To support the services and develop the temporary employment market, the employment area has received 8,6 million euros in project funding for the years 2026–2029. Outokumpu is also involved in the project.
The first job is important for a young person
Riveria Outokumpu Head of Unit Pekka Junninen told about the diverse study opportunities in the community and Riveria's access to the enterprise resource planning trial from 2026 to 2033. During the trial, Riveria can, for example, produce English-language studies without separate permits.
– For a young person, getting their first job is important for their studies and career. In addition, support is needed for students from other locations to adapt to the local area. It would be good for children to visit workplaces, for example in industry, as part of early childhood education, Junninen said.
Continuous learning is valued in working life
Outokumpu Metal brought an employer perspective to the whole. CEO Toth Zoltan. He said the company is investing in the future despite the difficulties and uncertainties in the industry.
Zoltan hopes that an employee will be willing to constantly learn new things. The industry also needs employees with university degrees.
Zoltan hoped that young people would be guided into working life as early as possible. He would limit the use of mobile phones, because even at work you can't constantly stare at the phone. Outokumpu Metall also values traditional job search methods, such as coming to the site and asking for work. The lack of Finnish language skills has also been an obstacle.
Mayor Päivi Lintumäki thanked the network and said that the cookies presented will be utilized at Outokumpu.
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