What's new in the Tampere region employment area?
- News
On 1 January 2025, employment and business services were transferred from central government to employment areas formed by municipalities. The reform created 45 employment areas in Finland. In this news item, we describe how the reform has affected the Tampere region employment area.
The municipalities in the Tampere region employment area have had a strong start. Client service has remained smooth, and the start of the year has not brought about any major disruptions. The entire personnel of the employment area are employed by the City of Tampere as part of other employment and growth services activities. Approximately 750 employees were transferred to the employment area's operations from three government agencies and the municipalities included in the employment area.
Tampere has participated in all local government pilots that laid the groundwork for the TE24 reform. This provided a strong knowledge base and competence in preparing for the reform.
Client experience has remained stable
While the atmosphere was tense at the start of the reform, clients have noticed few, if any, major changes. Clients who participated in the local government pilot still use the same facilities and meet with the familiar coaches. Overall, the client experience of employment services has been positive during the first six months.
"Phone services and the possibility to continue with the same official have received special praise," says Senior Specialist Suvi Jokela.
Employment services work efficiently when they are active and goal oriented. Services at the start of job search include mapping out the competence of new clients in relation to the needs of employers in the region. When suitable candidates are found, they are presented directly to employers in the early stages.
"Since the start of the year, we have presented more than 700 motivated job seekers to local employers," says Service Manager Eveliina Haiku.
Last year marked a shift toward more active contact with employers, which has continued as part of the everyday activities.
"The feedback has been encouraging from both employers and job seekers," Haiku continues.
Looking towards 2035: a common strategy guides development
In the Tampere region, the Employment Strategy 2035 has been prepared in extensive cooperation. The strategy outlines the shared vision of regional actors on how different organisations promote employment and growth as part of common practices. A new
approach where employment services are part of municipal vitality services will be launched after the summer.
"The strategy supports growth in jobs and employment and aims at a high and high-quality employment rate," says Director of Employment and Growth Regina Saari.
According to Saari, a key part of the strategy is the transition to demand-driven thinking where the needs of business life guide the employment services.
Job Market Finland's regional pages support client communications
The City of Tampere's employment and growth services have been involved in the development of Job Market Finland's regional pages since the pilot phase.
"The regional pages are already an established part of our communications to both job seeker and employer clients," says Communications Specialist Marja-Liisa Tuomisaari.
The regional pages emphasise topical news, guides and tips for the Tampere region. The planning of content is coordinated by a group that meets regularly and actively assesses news coverage and development needs.
This interview is a part of the What’s new in the employment area? series. In the interviews, experts from different employment areas describe how the employment service reform has progressed in municipalities.