Finland has launched a targeted recruitment campaign to attract Spanish professionals in the field of early childhood education. The initiative comes in response to a growing staff shortage in daycare centres, particularly in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The offer is highly competitive: around €3,200 gross per month, an open-ended employment contract, and guaranteed or heavily subsidised accommodation are among the key components of the programme.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
The initiative is primarily aimed at qualified nursery teachers from Spain, as their qualifications can be recognised relatively easily in Finland and the profession is in particularly high demand there.
Spain as a target market for skilled professionals
Finnish cities and educational institutions are increasingly focusing their international recruitment efforts on Spain. There is a large number of well-trained professionals in the field of early childhood education (Educación Infantil) there, while at the same time working conditions and salaries in their home country are often considered less attractive.
Recruitment is carried out, among other channels, through European employment networks such as EURES, which support applicants in finding jobs abroad.
Attractive conditions
In addition to a monthly salary of around €3,200 gross, the programme includes a range of further benefits designed to make it easier to settle into life and work in Finland. These include permanent full-time contracts as well as support in finding accommodation, with guaranteed housing also being provided in many cases.
In addition, free or heavily subsidised Finnish language courses are offered to make getting started with the language significantly easier. The package is further complemented by additional benefits such as meal allowances and discounts on leisure activities.
High demands in the Finnish education system
Finland is internationally regarded as one of the most advanced education systems. In early childhood care, children aged 0 to 6 are looked after within a unified system, often in small groups with a high standard of care.
At the same time, the demand for qualified staff is increasing. A significant shortage of skilled workers is expected in the coming years, particularly in cities such as Helsinki.
Language barrier and adjustment as a challenge
Despite the attractive conditions, moving to Finland remains a major decision for many applicants. The Finnish language is considered challenging, and the climatic and cultural differences are also significant.
To make the transition easier, free language courses are offered, which begin before employment starts and continue throughout the period of work.
Part of a European trend
The campaign is part of a broader trend in the European labour market: countries with a high quality of life but a shortage of skilled workers are increasingly recruiting qualified professionals from abroad.
Spain is one of the most important countries of origin in the education sector, particularly due to the large number of graduates in early childhood education.
