Co-Work

Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration

Come and discover how entrepreneurs and organisations in South Ostrobothnia have onboarded employees who use a different native language than mainly used in the workplace. How can you include an international employee in your team?

Now is the time to ensure your company or organisation knows how to welcome, train and retain international employees and talent. This project helps you with this.

Co‑Work Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration

The project aims to strengthen employment opportunities for people with immigrant backgrounds in South Ostrobothnia by supporting employers, enhancing international competence, improving practices and creating a shared ecosystem for international collaboration. Through employer training (phase 1, spring 2026), an internationalisation tool and the Co‑Work Workplace Partner Programme (phase 2, starting atumn 2026), the project helps organisations include international talent while enhancing immigrants’ work readiness.

Training Language and Real‑Time English Support

The main language of our trainings is Finnish. However, we will teach you how to follow the content simultaneously in English, or with your own language, using AI‑based translation tools. This allows you to participate, even if Finnish is not your strongest language.

Leadership‑Level and HR Training for Companies – starting on 10 March

Explore our free leadership‑level and HR training on developing international competence. See the dates below.

We will meet approximately every second Tuesday at Frami or online.

By attending at least five sessions, your organisation will earn the Pioneer Competence Badge.

Places are limited.

Training Language and Real‑Time English Support

Part 1 DIVERSE STRENGTHS IN LEADERSHIP: practical kick‑off

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service

Opening: Project Manager Maiju Kinossalo
Keynote Maarit Tamsi: The diverse foundations of an inclusive and effective workplace community – practical examples. Tamsin Oy.
Talk by Jaana Koivuluoma: Observations from the grassroots to the executive level. Yhdessä‑toiminnot, Seinäjoki.
Talk & summary by Maiju Kinossalo: Tools for inclusion and practical technological aids – looking at language issues with fresh eyes.

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Part 2 YOUR COMPANY’S MINDSET AND DEVELOPMENT: what, how and why

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service

Facilitation: Team Coach Helena Myllymäki – company cases
Languages and cultures – what can help?
How can the Co‑Work Workplace Partner support your workplace in practice?
Experiences from VETO+ coaching put into action in workplaces! Tuula Mäki‑Fränti, Pohjanmaan Liikunta ja Urheilu PLU ry

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Part 3 WAKE‑UP CALL FOR SOUTH OSTROBOTHNIAN ORGANISATIONS: facts and philosophy

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service

Opening & facilitation: Knowledge‑based leadership coach Jiri Kirsilä
Facts and philosophy: Do we mistake falsehood for truth – or refuse to believe what is true?
SWOT: regional strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities – snapshot of the international workforce
Keynote Emilia Kangas: Research‑based insights from South Ostrobothnia on leadership and diversity
Keynote Mikko Haapoja: Crossing thresholds as a source of strength in the work community – a South Ostrobothnian example. Kerabit Kattoelementit Oy.

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Part 4 A MAGNET FOR THE BEST EMPLOYEES: organisational identity and the recruitment process

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service

Opening & facilitation: Jiri Kirsilä and Maiju Kinossalo
Keynote Paul Fairchild, PNP Crossing Borders: The importance of employer image in recruitment and company introductions
Practical EURES recruitment solutions, Sanna Davidsson, Työlakeus
The employee as an integrator, Ulvi Urbel‑Suvanto, Suupohja Employment Area
Talk by Jiuliano Prisada and Maiju Kinossalo: Integration and social inclusion at work and outside work – what employers should know?

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Part 5 SOUTH OSTROBOTHNIAN STORIES: “päetettihin kokeella itte!”

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 12 May 2026 at 13:00–16:00, coffee service

Entrepreneurs’ own stories:

Ahokkaan Automies, Pertti Ahokas
Hopeapuro, Annika Puroaho (video)
Pinomatic (video)
Järvi‑Pohjanmaan yrityspalvelu Oy, EUM POWER, Kirsi Lassila
Wiise – going Wiiser!
Summary: How to join the winning team: Co‑Work Workplace Partner as the key player for organisations

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Part 6 THE GEMS OF THE PROGRAMME: repetition is the mother of learning

Time & place: FRAMI and streamed, Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 13:00–16:00, lunch included

Participants’ questions and solutions, highlights of the training
Keynote Aki Ruotsala, Kymppi Employment Area
Keynote Timo Rantasaari, Wulff Works South Ostrobothnia
Launch and introduction of the Internationalisation Tool – supporting companies and organisations in practice

By attending at least five sessions, your organisation will receive the Pioneer Badge.

Details on the exact locations and content of the trainings will be confirmed closer to the date. We reserve the right to make changes.

Accessible and printable PDF leaflet (in Finnish, to be translated)

Saavutettava Co-Work-tiedote.

Tulostettava Co-Work-tiedote, jota voi käyttää markkinoinnissa.

QR-koodi

Be a frontrunner. Build a workplace that knows how – and dares – to include. You’ll attract the best employees before anyone else.

A Pioneer in the Changing World of Work

Prepare for what’s coming – and stand out now.
Working life is changing, and international talent is already here. With us as your partner, you gain the knowledge, support and tools that help your company or organisation distinguish itself. We help you build a workplace where diversity becomes a competitive advantage.

Our services for you and your work community

Koulutus

PHASE 1 Confidence in Leading an Internationalising Workplace

We offer a free training programme that builds your confidence and competence in leading a workplace that is becoming more international.

This leadership‑level and HR‑focused training starts on 10 March. You can register above.

The training provides you with practical tools to lead a diverse work community with courage and effectiveness.

PHASE 2 Co‑Work Workplace Partner – a practical extra pair of hands for the early stage

When a new employee does not share the same native language – we are here to help.

We are training Co‑Work Workplace Partners across the region to support you and your team when an international employee starts at your workplace. A Co‑Work Workplace Partner provides hands‑on support during onboarding and in day‑to‑day work – on site, in practice, and as a person who understands language and cultural questions. The Co‑Work Workplace Partner qualification is also a valuable competence that helps you stand out professionally. This phase will begin with a pilot in autumn 2026.

What would suit you best?
Would you like to train as a Co‑Work Workplace Partner yourself?
Is there someone in your work community who would benefit from this competence?
Or would you prefer support from a Co‑Work Workplace Partner in your local employment area?

Ekosysteemi

South Ostrobothnian Co‑Work Workplace Partner Network – an ecosystem for international collaboration

Stronger together – support, expertise and continuity.

You will become part of the Co‑Work Workplace Partner Network, which is expanding across South Ostrobothnia. As a member of the network, you will receive peer support and guidance led by an expert in international collaboration. You can choose your own level of participation.

The network offers:

an inter‑organisational, shared foundation to support the inclusion of international employees,
the opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s intercultural competence,
joint meetings and workshops where challenging questions and best practices are shared,
peer support and training for Co‑Work Workplace Partners, and
ongoing support and continuous skills development.

What is changing – and why does it matter to you?

South Ostrobothnia’s future cannot rely solely on local talent.

The number of working‑age people is decreasing, birth rates are falling, and the skills shortage is growing (MDI, Immigration Snapshot of South Ostrobothnia 2025). Our region gains population only through immigration. This is the reality we see. How will we act accordingly?

Changes in population structure affect every one of us, as well as every business. Ignoring this will push the whole region out of the competition. If we want to stay ahead of the curve, we must know how to include everyone who comes here to work.

“The future does not reward those who merely see it, but those who act on what they see.”
Observations alone do not create change, and thinking without action will not transform reality.
— Risto Siilasmaa (2025, Nordic Business Forum)

Action timeline

Aikajana

BASIC INFORMATION Co‑Work Workplace Partner – An Ecosystem for International Collaboration

Implemented by SEAMK.

In cooperation with the South Ostrobothnian employment areas, the South Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Services County, and the South Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development.

Employers and other organisations across the region are also involved.

The activities are co‑funded by the European Union as an ESF+ project under Priority 4: An Employing, Skilled and Inclusive Finland, with a specific objective in theme 4.1. Pathways to Employment.

Project implementation period with project funding: 1 August 2025 – 31 December 2027

Funding authority: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Central Finland (ELY Centre).

Total funding: €441,801

Project number: S31387

Co-Work Publications

In Finnish: