Work try-out

What is a work try-out?

A work try-out may be suitable for you if you are thinking about your future field or if you want to find out if a field is suitable for you.

In a work try-out, you will participate in general tasks at the workplace. A work try-out does not constitute an employment relationship, and does not incur any costs for the employer.

A work try-out can also be used to find out whether entrepreneurship is a suitable career option.

During the work try-out, you will receive the same unemployment benefits as unemployed persons. If participation in the work try-out entails costs, you may be eligible for Kela’s financial assistance during participation in employment promoting services(Link leads to external service), for example. Your unemployment fund may also pay expenses.

If you are not reimbursed for costs by the payer of the unemployment benefits, Helsinki Employment Services may pay discretionary expenses.

Who can participate in work try-outs?

You can participate in a work try-out if:

• you have registered as a jobseeker
• the work try-out has been agreed in your employment plan
• Helsinki Employment Services estimate that a work try-out is the best way to support your employment. In your employment plan, you will agree with our specialist whether to find the work try-out place yourself or whether you need help finding the place.

Access to work try-outs does not require a certain duration of unemployment. Neither does your vocational training or degree of education affect access to work try-outs.
Contact Employment Services(Link leads to external service) to see if you can participate in a work try-out.

Where are work try-outs arranged?

The work try-out may be organised by an enterprise, a private entrepreneur, a municipality, a joint municipal authority, another entity, a foundation or a state agency or institution. A private person cannot be the organiser of a work try-out. 

You cannot arrange a work try-out in a workplace that you already work at.
During the work try-out, work tasks that are usually carried out independently without guidance and supervision shall not be carried out (e.g. car transport, unless supervised by the organiser of the work try-out).

A work try-out is not intended as the probationary period of your employment relationship.

You must agree on the length and working hours of the work try-out together with Helsinki Employment Services and the employer. The work try-out may last up to six months.