Language-supported competence paths for the labour shortage sectors of immigrants in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

In this project, we are developing new educational solutions to support the employability and Finnish language skills of immigrants residing in the capital area. Furthermore, our project goal is to develop teachers' skills in language-aware pedagogy at various educational institutions, such as universities and universities of applied sciences.

The group project is led by University of Helsinki and the sub-projects by Metropolia UAS and Aalto University. This website is focusing on the sub-project by Metropolia UAS.

In the project, we offer trainings in the following fields:

• Early childhood education (University of Helsinki and Metropolia UAS)
• Business Administration (Metropolia UAS)
• Technology (Aalto University)

The trainings are offered in 2025-2027.

Are you already working in early childhood education but wish to gain a formal qualification as an Early Childhood Education Social Services professional? Or are you interested in early childhood education and looking to change careers?

Metropolia UAS offers a program tailored for immigrants, providing the first year of studies of the Early Childhood Education Social Services degree during the 2025–2026 academic year. The program is taught in a language-integrated format, combining teaching in Finnish and English. Initially, studies are conducted primarily in English, with the proportion of Finnish gradually increasing as you progress. A total of 30 students will be admitted to the program.

After completing the training, you can apply through a separate application process to continue your studies in either the Finnish- or English-language Early Childhood Education Social Services degree program. If selected, you will proceed directly to the second year of studies.

Read more about the training in early childhood education on the website of the training.

Do you have a higher education degree in business administration or economics and are seeking a career in HR or marketing?

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences offers two training programs in business administration for immigrants during the 2025–2026 academic year. The HR training program will be held in the autumn semester of 2025, and the marketing training program will follow in the spring semester of 2026.

The programs are taught in Finnish with language support, making them accessible for learners with intermediate Finnish skills (B1). The goal of these programs is to enhance your expertise in business administration and improve your employability in Finland. However, these programs do not lead to a higher education degree.

Read more about the trainings in business administration for immigrants on the website of the trainings.