Project

Bridge to Green Transition

Abbreviation
VSS
Project type
Development project
Focus area
Sustainable Bioeconomy and Energy Solutions
Implementation time
1.12.2024 - 30.9.2026
Unit
School of Technology
Financing program
Oikeudenmukainen siirtymä (JTF, Elinvoimakeskus)
UN Sustainable development goals
Project description

The objective of the 'Bridge to Green Transition' project was to support the re-employment of individuals who have worked in peat production or related fields. The measures also aimed to support the career paths and employment of young people in regions affected by the reduction of peat production.

Efforts have been made to promote green transition, improve labor market matching, and support the employment of bio- and circular economy professionals in open labor markets by highlighting the workforce needs of companies operating in the green transition and encouraging young people and career changers to pursue careers in this field.

In the initial phase, the needs for skills and workforce of regional companies, as well as hidden jobs, were mapped. Based on this, a coaching program was implemented to make these skill needs visible and to facilitate the meeting between employers and job seekers.

In addition to the coaching program and increased company contacts, the measures have supported the design of natural resources education to be more work-oriented and enable the creation of education and career paths in collaboration with companies.

The measures are increased awareness of employment opportunities and tasks in the green transition sectors. By increasing awareness, the aim is to improve the relevance and applicability of natural resources education to a wider range of job functions in companies. Companies will be able to meet their workforce needs, which supports the vitality of the region and improves the employment rate.

The project has been carried out in cooperation with municipal employment services and is additionally funded by POP Konnevesi, POP Lannevesi, POP Kannonkoski, MTK Keski-Suomi, and LähiTapiola Keski-Suomi.

For more information about the project, please contact:
Hanna Lampinen-Vilkkilä
Project Manager
Institute of Bioeconomy
hanna.lampinen-vilkkila@jamk.fi

Project results
The project conducted 20 company interviews: 12 with companies operating directly within the region and 8 with companies collaborating within the region. The results from the interviews were analyzed and used to determine the content and delivery method of the training program. Based on the interviews, a podcast series titled *Biotalouden tulevaisuuden työpolut* (Future Career Paths in the Bioeconomy) was produced; it has been published on Spotify via Jamk biotalous account and served as educational material for the project's training sessions: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cJS3hPs8w4BvHkklBtMm1?si=-9iRfhfGScC6OQg0uZWUaQ. An article titled *Vihreä siirtymä muuttaa luonnonvara-alan osaamistarpeita* (The Green Transition Changes Skill Needs in the Natural Resources Sector) was also written based on the interviews and published on the Jamk Arena platform: https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:jamk-issn-2984-0783-257.

Between autumn 2025 and spring 2026, the project piloted a total of three *Future Career Paths in the Natural Resources Sector* training programs. The program spans 35 hours and comprises group meetings, webinars, and independent study. The training includes, among other things, visits to companies in the region involved in the green transition, presentations by companies, networking opportunities, the development of job-seeking skills, and information sessions on entrepreneurship and educational opportunities in the natural resources sector. By autumn 2026, approx. 80 people had participated in the training program, and numerous companies and organizations had been involved in its implementation in various ways.

The training program has been marketed during the tour of upper secondary educational institutions in the Central Finland region carried out in the autumn of 2025, as well as during visits to employment areas, at events, and in social and print media.

The training program has been iteratively developed between sessions based on participant feedback and coaching experiences, and a publication regarding the development process has been published on Jamk Arena: https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:jamk-issn-2984-0783-371. A learning material titled 'Osaajaksi luonnonvara-alalle' (Becoming a Professional in the Natural Resources Sector) has been compiled from the course materials for Jamk's Open Learning Materials site; it is also accessible via the national aoe.fi platform: https://oppimateriaalit.jamk.fi/fi/luonnonvara-alalle/osaajaksi-luonnonvara-alalle/.

Project results have been communicated to target audiences and stakeholders through channels such as events, newsletters, and social media.