Smart Work 2026: Job Search Start for under 30s

The Job Search Start was established during the municipal trial in the Hämeenlinna region. The original idea was to provide young people who have newly registered as unemployed jobseekers with a head start on their job search, while also providing information on the various services available at Ohjaamo Stage.

Job Search Start is held on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Ohjaamo Stage premises. Participants include One-Stop Guidance Center Ohjaamo/youth services, TyöHäme Employment Area, work ability services, Tavastia, Linnan Kehitys, and employers. Between 10 and 15 young people who have registered as unemployed jobseekers are invited to each session. At the beginning, there is a joint introduction of the representatives present and the purpose of the event. Each participant receives a passport, and after visiting each station, they receive a stamp in their passport.

You will be met at each station and receive information about services and job vacancies. At the end of the session, each visitor provides feedback on the event. The focus is on ensuring that young people feel seen and heard while receiving information about various services tailored to them. Appointments can be booked smoothly for different services, and there have been cases where participants have found employment almost immediately after the session. This year, military service starts have also been organized for young people who have completed their service.

This year, the session has been held 25 times with a total of 259 participants, averaging 10 young people per session.

• Based on feedback, 80% of young people feel they received useful information from the session.
• 90% of respondents felt that the session promoted their employment, education, or access to services, and 95% would recommend the session to a friend.
• Open feedback included the following comments:
  • A pleasant event. Relaxed and meaningful discussion with knowledgeable people, thank you very much. Before I came, I thought I knew enough about employment matters. Apparently, I was wrong. A nice, easy-going event, a positive surprise! Clearly structured and implemented! The atmosphere was relaxed and warm. I felt welcome. Moving from station to station was smooth, and I got useful information from everyone. Wonderful, warm, and competent staff who met everyone individually. I got many good tips for the future, thank you very much! You are doing important work.

Job Search Starts generally continue every Thursday. Twice a year, the participating organizations meet to review experiences and observations and to develop the activities so that the sessions meet the needs of young people. The goal for the autumn is to collect data on the impact of the sessions, such as how many participants found employment directly through the event.

Developers

Hannele Halinen, Job Coach
Riikka Känsälä, Employment Coordinator
Riikka Laurell, Employment Agent
Servet Parlak, Business Coordinator
Katariina Sommarberg, Employment Agent
Elina Ylipulli, Employment Agent
Sanna Kukkonen, Employment Agent
Janika Sipponen, Work Ability Coach
Anne Forstadius, Work Ability Coach
Oona Kivistö, Career and Vocational Choice Coordinator
Mehmet Duzenli, Service Advisor
Eea Vatanen, Service Advisor
Mia Roivas, Work Ability Instructor
Anu Mattila, Ohjaamo Coordinator