Finland Times

Villa Victor, a multicultural centre in Oulu, has launched Language Skills to Support Employment, a project aimed at improving the Finnish language skills of immigrant job seekers.

The project authorities are now looking for companies interested in cooperating with the pilot programme. They are hoping for companies interested in workers with an immigrant background and the possibility of organising internships, for example, with the aim of creating professionals.

The first phase of the project comprises exploring cooperation opportunities, as well as to evaluating the needs of various partners, so the project can appropriately respond. Cooperation with the pilot programme does not bind or oblige companies in any way.

A number of Finnish language groups of varying levels have been running in Villa Victor for several years, operating with a low threshold for joining. Anyone can come and study Finnish basics and continue to more advanced levels in various courses. The non-stop teaching ensures that anyone can come at any time, since the same content is repeated on a cycle of a few weeks.

But this structure does not meet individual learning needs. One of the biggest challenges for immigrants is integration into the society, specifically with the native population, in regards to management of life: work, education and income. A lack of language skills is the main reason among immigrant populations for a weaker position in employment opportunities. Learning difficulties, even getting a study opportunity, can be overwhelming simply due to the language barriers.

Both immigrants and employers have been emphasising the needs and importance of language education when it comes to employment. So, Villa Victor in conjunction with Oulu’s employment services is piloting this work-oriented Finnish S2 language training tailored to meet individual’s needs. The individual’s needs are taken into account, as are the placement proficiency requirements for potential work or training placement, including special vocabulary, situations of language use, customer service, etc. In addition, development of a virtual S2-learning environment supports both classroom education and self-learning.

Launched in July, the Language Skills to Support Employment project is supported by the City of Oulu’s 3-year ESF project, which receives funding from the EU’s Structural Funds for “sustainable growth and jobs 2014-2020”. The project is being implemented by Villa Victor in partnership with the city’s Employment and Welfare Services, Civic and Cultural Services, and the University of Oulu.