New report: Training and support services strengthen access to skilled labor in North Savo
A comprehensive report has been published in North Savo, outlining the region’s education and support services available to businesses to aid in recruiting skilled labor and developing staff competencies. Produced by the Talent First project, the report provides timely insights into topics such as training collaboration, employment services, lifelong learning opportunities, and services supporting international workforce integration.
“The report offers a comprehensive overview of the current training and support services available to businesses in North Savo. Reviewing the report may also reveal clear opportunities for cooperation, such as developing services targeted at companies,” says Reetta Airaksinen, Project Manager at Talent First.
Training solutions for short- and long-term needs
According to the report, North Savo offers a wide range of training solutions to meet the needs of businesses. Traditional labor market training, short-term programs funded by The Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment’s (SECLE), and language and cultural coaching form key avenues for acquiring new talent and developing the existing workforce. Educational institutions and private providers also offer tailored training services in close collaboration with employers.
The report also comprehensively presents the region’s long- and short-term training offerings across various fields. Institutions such as Ylä-Savo Vocational College (YSAO), Savo Vocational College (Sakky), Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Eastern Finland provide both degree programs and flexible, rapidly implemented training solutions. These are complemented by national and international education services, increasingly available through online and remote formats.
Support services and collaboration are key to successful recruitment
The report emphasizes the importance of support services in reaching skilled labor. Services provided by regional employment areas – such as Kuopio’s Työnavigaattori, recruitment and internationalization services from ELY Centers, and platforms like Opiskelijatoihin.fi and Aarresaari – assist businesses in finding the right talent. Recruitment events, internships, apprenticeships, and project-based collaboration offer concrete ways to address labor availability challenges.
“Collaboration is key to maintaining North Savo’s competitiveness in attracting skilled labor. We hope this report sparks dialogue and serves as a practical tool for many stakeholders,” Airaksinen notes.
Need for better visibility and productization of training offerings
Interviews with businesses highlighted the need to improve the visibility and packaging of training services. Companies call for more practical approaches from training providers, quicker responsiveness, and clearer access points for utilizing training and support services. Particularly, the attraction and integration of international talent emerged as critical themes for addressing future skill needs.
Read the full report (in Finnish)
Listen to the summary briefing, in Finnish (Feb 12, 2025 / approx. 30 min)
About the Talent First Project
This report is part of the Talent First project’s efforts to enhance the availability of skilled labor in North Savo. Compiled by MDI and completed in March 2025, the report serves as a knowledge base for recruitment, regional development, and cooperation between businesses and education providers.
Talent First is a project co-funded by the European Union. It involves 12 partner organizations from North Savo and is administered by the City of Kuopio.
