We warmly welcome you to participate in Start to Finnish® - Advance Your Career in Finland, an online training designed for international union members who want to deepen their understanding of Finnish working life, labour market practices and society. The training is particularly suitable for those who are working in Finland or planning to build a longer-term career here and wish to strengthen their knowledge independently, alongside work and everyday life.

Training Duration & Structure

The training is fully online and self-paced. All training materials are available on an online learning platform, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits your own schedule. You don’t have to complete the whole training either, as you can also search and learn more only about the topics relevant to you at this time. 

The training structure consists of the following learning modules:

• Features of Finnish Society – orientation module
• When looking for work -module
• When starting work –module
• When working -module
• When work ends -module

Each module includes 5–6 chapters. In addition, you are expected to read the Welcome page with instructions and complete the Feedback page at the end of the training. Completing the training in total requires approximately 20–25 hours, but you’re also welcome to join and learn only about the topics that interest you the most.

Mandatory tasks

If you wish to complete the whole training, you will receive a certificate of completion. For this, you will need to complete the following tasks:

• Read all training content
• Complete mandatory Your turn -tasks in each module
• Reflect on what you have learned at the end of each module
• Complete the training feedback

While there are no live sessions or lectures, the training platform encourages discussion and the sharing of experiences. We have included additional Your turn tasks which offer an opportunity to reflect on your own working life and, if you wish, to engage with other participants. All discussions are moderated, and participant privacy has been carefully considered.

Why Participate?

• Deepen your understanding of Finnish working life, labour rights and responsibilities
• Learn flexibly alongside work, family and other commitments
• Strengthen your professional confidence and labour market awareness
• Receive a certificate of completion as a sign of your initiative and continuous learning

Start to Finnish® is a registered trademark of Akava. Some universities and universities of applied sciences also offer a student version of the training (Start to Finnish® - Start Your Career in Finland). The participants of the student course have described it as a highly useful and comprehensive overview of Finnish working life.

Requirements for Participation

There are no formal educational prerequisites. To participate, you only need:

• To be a member of an affiliate union of Akava
• An internet connection
• Access to a computer or mobile device
• Interest in learning more about Finnish working life and society

The training is designed for people in working life, regardless of career stage or sector.

When you register, you will receive a link by email that allows you to access the online training. Access to the training is personal, and the link must not be shared with others.