#Wednesdays4Turku: A Look at the Labour Market in South-West Finland

Good morning and welcome to another #Wednesdays4Turku, where we dive into important regional updates and raise awareness on key topics affecting our community.

This week, we're focusing on the Labour Force Barometer, a valuable tool offering both national and regional insights into employment trends and skills needs. Whether you're a job seeker, employer, policymaker, or educator, this tool helps make sense of where the labour market is heading—and what we need to prepare for in the near future.

The Labour Force Barometer is a collaborative effort, produced by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the KEHA Centre, and the regional ELY Centres. It's built with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including educational institutions and employers, ensuring that the forecast reflects real-world demands. You can explore sector-specific information and upcoming skills needs directly on their website: tyovoimabarometri.fi

South-West Finland: Where We Stand and What’s Ahead

After a challenging start to 2024, South-West Finland's employment landscape showed signs of struggle, with low employment rates and a sluggish business climate. However, there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic.

According to the SME Barometer published in September, the mood among local companies is shifting. Optimism began to grow over the summer, suggesting that the worst may be behind us. That said, investment levels among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain low. Finnvera's data indicates a significant drop in investment financing during the first half of the year.

But things may be turning a corner.

In early autumn, Turku Meyer shipyard received a major cruise ship order. This is expected to energize the local shipbuilding sector and could spark investment activity among subcontractors. While the full economic ripple effect remains to be seen, it’s certainly a welcome boost for the region.

Adding to the good news, the MAL negotiations wrapped up in September with a positive funding decision for the renovation of the E18 Turku ring road and the Parainen fairway. This marks a significant step forward for infrastructure and city development—particularly in Raisio.

Meanwhile, the Turku region continues to see strong migration gains, reinforcing its role as a vibrant, growing hub.

Labour Demand and Skills in Focus

Labour demand remained weak through late spring and summer. However, the outlook isn’t entirely bleak. The highest demand moving forward is expected in:

-Social and healthcare professions

-Technology and engineering roles


The construction industry is beginning to recover, albeit slowly.

Want to dive deeper into the most in-demand professions and skill forecasts for 2025? Head over to the Labour Force Barometer website:
https://tyovoimabarometri.fi

Stay informed, stay involved—and we’ll see you next week for another #Wednesdays4Turku!


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