Helsinki Trainee programme
Hey there, you who are about to complete your studies or have recently graduated! Come seize a unique opportunity to work in the largest organisation in Finland and utilise your full potential to shine as a future expert in your field! On this page, you can find useful information about the groundbreaking Helsinki Trainee programme and applying for a position with us.
The Helsinki Trainee programme opens doors to the diverse duties and structures of our city. Your objective with us will be simple: to create high-quality services for residents and facilitate good life in Helsinki. As a Helsinki Trainee, you will have the privilege of being part of an innovative team that will support you in projects that match your passions. We are not looking for a seasoned master; what we want is courage, curiosity and an active approach. The programme will open the doors to a world of knowledge, where you can learn, grow and shine with your own contribution. We also want to build networks with you and open doors to new opportunities within the City.
Are you ready to join the Helsinki Trainee team? Application periods are held every six months, in May and October.
You can read more below and start your journey towards the career of your dreams!
You can learn more about the duties of previous trainees on the @helsinkirekry(Link leads to external service) Instagram page.
Applications open – check out our trainee positions!
The Helsinki Trainee recruitment for summer 2026 is now open! We are looking for 13 trainees for the period 2 February–7 August 2026. The application period runs from 13 to 28 October 2025. You can read more about all of the positions currently open on the Finnish-language page.
We have currently two trainee positions open that you can apply for in English. Learn more about them below:
The City Executive Office positions
Are you organized, detail-oriented, and interested in communications and events?
In this role, you’ll support the planning, implementation and analysis of the Spouse Program, a service for international residents coordinated by the Settling-in Team. Your tasks will include:
• Creating content for newsletters, social media and websites (spouseprogram.fi and ihhelsinki.fi) and assisting in other communications-related tasks (preparing visual materials, participating in website development, etc.)
• Supporting event planning, logistics and marketing, participating in various events and workshops, and supporting peer networking activities.
• Managing service registrations, tracking and feedback, and preparing impact analysis reports.
• Supporting administrative tasks such as meeting notes, schedules, and databases.
Your goals for this role are gaining hands-on experience in communications and event work in the public sector in a diverse and international environment. We require relevant studies or work experience in communications and events, proficiency in Excel and Adobe tools (InDesign, Photoshop), and experience with WordPress.
We value a proactive attitude, quick learning, and the ability to work well in multicultural environments!
Office address: Kansakoulukatu 3, 00100, Helsinki
For more information, please contact Saara Kankainen, phone +358403537129 Thursday 16.10. at 14-15 and Tuesday 21.10. at 13-14
Are you a problem-solver with a passion for service design?
In this role, you will be involved in understanding and translating needs into service concepts. Your tasks will include:
• Utilizing digital whiteboards, and other collaboration tools for ideation and concepting purposes
• Conducting interviews, surveys and usability testing
• Assessing results
• Reiterating concepts
Your goals for this role include contributing to the development of existing and new services that help employers develop their ability to attract, hire, and retain international talent. We require relevant studies in service design, behavioral sciences, psychology, business, HR, communication, or a related field. We appreciate a background or strong interest in service design, UX, behavioral sciences and related fields, as well as curiosity about HR topics.
We value strong problem-solving skills, a data-driven mindset, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. If you are learning Finnish or Swedish at the moment, you’ll get to practice the language with colleagues and customers.
Office address: Kansakoulukatu 3, 00100 Helsinki
For more information, please contact Petra Vander Horst, phone +358503393510 Thursday 16.10. at 14-16 and Monday 27.10. at 10-12
Duration and salary of the trainee period
Helsinki Trainees have a six-month fixed-term employment relationship, either from February to the beginning of August or from August to the beginning of February. Every trainee will have the same monthly salary €2,259.
Applying
Application periods are held every six months, in May and October.
To promote equality and non-discrimination, the City of Helsinki encourages anonymous recruitment processes, and the recruitment of trainees will also be carried out anonymously. The aim of anonymous recruitment is to focus solely on the applicant’s professional competence and work experience.
The first interview round will be carried out as video interviews, after which we will invite applicants to personal interviews.
For whom?
You are studying for a suitable higher education degree (e.g. a master’s degree or a university of applied sciences degree) and are nearing the completion of your studies or have graduated less than a year ago. Please note that you can participate in the Helsinki Trainee programme only once. If you have previously worked as a Helsinki Trainee, you are no longer eligible to apply for a trainee position.
Why apply for a position with us?
We will provide you with a front-row seat in Finland’s largest employer organisation, in which you will have extensive opportunities to develop your know-how, learn and create a career. We also want to support your balance between work and leisure time. The City of Helsinki is a responsible employer that wants to promote equality and non-discrimination.
In the words of former trainees...
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Pihla
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Aino
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Siiri
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Topias
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Emilia
