Immigrants

Integration training is intended for adult immigrants who are not subject to compulsory education. The training is planned for each participant according to their own goals, skills, and service needs.

The training includes studying Finnish or Swedish, skills needed in working life, vocational skills, and planning your own career and study path. You can get guidance for further studies, employment-promoting services, or work. You may also be offered other teaching that helps with everyday skills and understanding society.

Integration training includes a work-based learning period or activities that support work and functional capacity. Previously acquired skills are also identified during the training.

The goal of the training is for the participant to learn basic Finnish or Swedish language skills (B1.1). At the end of the training, a language proficiency test is organized.

Independent study is an alternative to integration training organized as labor market training. Sometimes independent study can speed up your employment and integration. The studies must be in Finnish or Swedish. If the studies are part of society orientation, they can be in your own mother tongue.

Independent study can also include work-based learning periods and voluntary activities. At least half of the duration of the studies must be actual studies.

If you do not receive expense compensation from the unemployment fund or Kela, the employment authority may pay discretionary expense compensation during your independent studies.

Language Skills Assessment

Before the training begins, your Finnish or Swedish language skills will be assessed. The assessment will determine what kind of help you need, your language proficiency level, and which integration training suits you best.

TUVA training helps you prepare for qualification studies. The training is especially intended for immigrants who want to improve their Finnish language skills. TUVA training helps you prepare for vocational education or working life. The training can also be part of fulfilling compulsory education. TUVA training is organized as labor market training and as independent studies, for which you can receive unemployment benefit.

If you are planning studies, always first contact your integration coach.

Vocational qualifications and qualification parts designed for immigrant jobseekers are regularly available in labor market training at Työmarkkinatori. Training is organized in fields where the employment situation is good.

Part-Time Studies with Unemployment Benefit

Part-time studies are studies that do not prevent you from applying for and doing full-time work. The studies can be, for example, learning a new skill, completing basic studies at an open educational institution, or finishing a previously interrupted qualification.

If you are planning studies, always first contact your integration coach.

Short-Term Studies with Unemployment Benefit

Short-term studies can help you get a job. You can receive unemployment benefit during short-term studies if you are at least 25 years old and the studies last no more than six months. During the studies, you must apply for jobs according to your employment plan and be ready to accept full-time work.

If you are planning studies, always first contact your integration coach.

Multilingual society orientation is training where you learn about Finland and Finnish society. The training covers what it is like to live, reside, and work in Finland. You will also receive information about your rights and responsibilities.

Teaching is provided in your own mother tongue or a language you understand well. The training includes at least 70 hours of teaching or independent study. The training can be organized as in-person teaching, remote teaching, or a combination of these.

A work try-out may suit you if you want to try whether a certain field is suitable for you. A work try-out is also a good option if you have been away from working life for a long time.

In a work try-out, you do regular work at a workplace. A work try-out is not an actual employment relationship, and there are no costs for the employer. During the work try-out, you receive the same unemployment benefit as when unemployed.

You agree on the duration and working hours of the work try-out together with your integration coach and the employer. The work try-out can last up to six months.

If you incur expenses from the work try-out, you can receive expense compensation for the days you participate. If you do not receive expense compensation from the unemployment fund or Kela, the employment authority may pay discretionary expense compensation.

Note! The main language of the work try-out must be Finnish or Swedish. The work try-out must help you achieve your own integration goals.