Satakunta employment area needs experts in industry and technology

Located on the coast, maritime industry and logistics are prominent sectors in Satakunta. In addition to industry, Satakunta has a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises in the service and construction sectors. Social welfare and health care services as well as education and tourism are also important.

Many industrial companies in the region operate within international networks that design, manufacture and deliver products and services in cooperation between units operating in different countries. In addition, several of the companies are foreign-owned, which strengthens their ties to the global market. Internationality not only increases the region’s competitiveness but also its sensitivity to fluctuations in the world economy.

Practical skills needed in the labour market

The strong position of industry is reflected in competence requirements, and employers value practical technical competence. Satakunta is looking for experts in industry and technology in particular. There is demand for workers with professional training as well as highly educated experts and supervisors.

The region is also facing challenges related to structural change. The ageing of the population increases the number of people retiring in several sectors, which makes labour less available. In some sectors, such as the metal industry, labour shortages are a more permanent structural phenomenon, since there is often a discrepancy between open jobs and jobseekers’ competence.

Employment situation is moderate but sensitive to economic cycles

The employment situation in Satakunta is moderate. The economic fluctuations of industry are rapidly reflected in employment levels. There is long-term unemployment among jobseekers whose skills do not meet the needs of the current labour market. The employment transition of young people and recent graduates goes well overall, but there are challenges related to these transitional stages. Reports indicate that graduates from the technical fields of higher education institutions do well in finding employment in the region.

The ageing of the population increases the need for social welfare and health care professionals. In the construction sector, experts are particularly needed in renovation construction. Digitalisation increases the importance of ICT competence in traditional sectors as well. Sought-after employment skills also include sales and project competence, language proficiency and the ability to work in international environments.

Employment services support companies

The Satakunta employment area offers employers versatile services to support recruitment and business growth. These include employment services, support for recruitment and related advice, various kinds of financial support and cooperation with educational institutions.

There has been interest in subsidies provided by the employment area, such as the employment subsidy for young people, the employment supplement and the Ensirekry subsidy for first recruitments. Employers’ experiences of these services have mainly been very positive. However, the challenge is awareness: not all companies know of the services and opportunities that are available.

Employers want services that take their needs into account better than before. In recruitment situations, they appreciate being able to get help quickly and flexibly. Closer cooperation between the parties providing services to companies is also considered important in order to ensure that companies receive the help they need as seamlessly as possible.

Strong prospects for the future

Satakunta is well placed to create new jobs. There are significant investments being planned for the region, including the defence and energy industries and green transition projects.

The region’s strengths are versatile industry, strong energy infrastructure and well-functioning cooperation networks. Responding to companies’ labour market needs will require close continued cooperation between municipalities, companies, education providers and the employment area.

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Satakunta employment area at Job Market Finland

Image: Anssi Koskinen