In October 2025, ’ clients included more than 2,000 unemployed or furloughed jobseekers under 30 with higher education degrees. This equals about one fifth of all unemployed young people with a higher education background in Finland, totalling almost 10,000 people. Competition for jobs is fierce in Helsinki, and youth unemployment is growing faster here than in other large employment areas.
“Youth unemployment is a particular challenge in Helsinki. As the largest employer in Finland, we want to be involved in solving the issues related to youth employment. In addition to the services offered by Helsinki's employment services, Helsinki is able to offer new ways of improving the employment situation. The Uusia alkuja project offers 100 young people with higher education degrees jobs in different City divisions and public enterprises. We are also challenging other employers and companies to join this campaign for creating more job opportunities,” says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.
The 100 jobs offered by Helsinki are targeted at university-educated 18–29-year-old jobseekers who are clients of Helsinki Employment Services. The six-month fixed-term positions will be in the fields of administration and development. The jobs will be opened to clients of Helsinki Employment Services, who will be in contact with the jobseekers included in the target group during December and January. The jobs in question are due to start in February 2026.
Helsinki supports youth employment and employers in many ways
Helsinki and its many educational institutes and universities attract a high number of students, but this also leads to a fierce competition for jobs. The challenging labour market, the scarcity of jobs and the fact that more and more experienced professionals also become jobseekers make it harder for young people to find work. The development of artificial intelligence and digitalisation is also reducing the number of entry-level jobs suitable for university graduates.
The City of Helsinki is supporting the employment and integration of young people into working life in many ways. As an employer, Helsinki offers a wide range of opportunities for young people, including internships, summer jobs and trainee programmes. The City also supports employers, for example by granting a Helsinki supplement for hiring an unemployed Helsinki resident.
Finding the first job is especially important to give a young person a good start for their career.
“It’s important to offer young people jobs where they can show their talents, gain valuable work experience and get their foot in the door to working life. We must put a stop to the rising youth unemployment rate so that we do not lose the potential of skilled and innovative young people,” Sazonov states.
