The Talent First website highlights the local buzz in North Savo

Talent First is showcasing content from the perspective of talent and expertise on its newly launched website (talentfirst.fi). The goal of the website is to enhance the region’s appeal and retention and to provide employers with a platform to support recruitment. The mission of Talent First is to make the North Savo region attractive, interesting, and full of opportunities from the perspective of professionals.

In addition to focusing on talents and potential newcomers, it’s essential to highlight the needs of the entire family. This creates a holistic experience, where the professional and their family feel at home and enjoy living in the region.

The Talent First website showcases the positive vibe that boosts the region’s overall appeal and attractiveness. The site features information about the area’s trends, expertise, housing, culture, and quality of life, and shares talent experiences through various stories, including career stories, relocation stories, and expert stories. Additionally, the website highlights the region’s key expertise areas and the opportunities provided by local networks.

“It’s fantastic that we now have a platform where we can share stories about the opportunities the region offers and all the amazing tales from here. The site will also be launched in English in the fall. We are happy to receive suggestions for topics, individuals, and ideas to write about,” says Talent First’s project manager, Reetta Airaksinen.

Key industries offer opportunities

In addition to soft values, Talent First focuses on highlighting the opportunities in regional expertise and the labor market. Aligning the needs of North Savo’s key industries with the skills of professionals, improving companies’ growth conditions, and enhancing the region’s appeal and retention are central themes.

The key industries or “scenes” in North Savo reflect the region’s diverse economic base and strengths. There are several key industries in North Savo, which Talent First promotes in four categories: Wellness and Pharmaceuticals, Health Technology, Tourism and Service Industries, ICT and Technology, and Security.

“The key industries offer various career paths. For example, in the technology sector, one can move from smaller companies to larger ones, or work in the health, wellness, and pharmaceutical sector, whether in a startup or a large international company,” says Kaija Savolainen, CEO of the Kuopio Region Chamber of Commerce.

There are several multinational companies in North Savo, each with its own cultural nuances. The goal is also to ensure that international talents feel accepted, integrated into the community, and see the region as their home because home is where the heart is. All aspects of life must work together.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is, but that you feel welcome and equal to everyone else,” Savolainen emphasizes.

Cross-border collaboration

Through Talent First, collaboration between regional actors is being strengthened to attract talent to North Savo. This cooperation focuses on how the strengths of each municipality complement the offerings of other municipalities in the region. Collaboration goes beyond municipal, organizational, and corporate boundaries.

The strength of North Savo lies in the culture of collaboration, directness, and ease of networking among businesses, municipal organizations, and educational institutions.

“Together, we can create a region full of opportunities where it’s easy for talents to come and stay,” concludes Airaksinen.

Talent First is a project funded by the South Savo Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (North Savo ESR+), the European Union, and 13 partners from North Savo (municipalities, educational institutions, companies). The project runs from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2025, and aims to improve the availability of talent in North Savo through attractiveness and retention, as well as by building regional cooperation. The activities are expected to continue after the project ends. www.talentfirst.fi