In a city the size of Helsinki, immigration, the attraction of skilled labour force and the planned transfer of employment services management from the central government to municipalities (TE2024) are extensive areas of responsibility. Since 2021, Helsinki has been part of the local government pilot within which the city has provided employment services to client groups such as migrants, young people and Helsinki residents who have been unemployed for a long time. A prerequisite for the vitality of Helsinki is that companies and employers find talented employees and the residents of Helsinki find work.
Gassen: Immigration brings more vitality to Helsinki
Glenn Gassen will move to the position of Head of Immigration Services from his role as Director, Innovation, Growth & Invest In at Enter Espoo. Gassen was responsible for Invest in services at Enter Espoo and for international affairs at the Mayor’s Office of the City of Espoo. He has also worked, for example, in the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce. Gassen has studied political science and graduated as an EMBA. Gassen will take up his new position on 3 April.
– Helsinki’s vitality is based on enabling the growth of companies in Helsinki. In many companies, the availability of experts is an obstacle to growth. With my own work, I want to ensure that immigration increases the growth and vitality of Helsinki even more strongly than before. The city’s role in promoting integration will become more important with the amendment of the Integration Act (KOTO2024), Gassen says.
The Immigration Unit is responsible for immigration matters at the City of Helsinki and their coordination between the different operators.
Sorjonen: Major changes in the field of employment
Annukka Sorjonen will take up her position as Head of Employment Services after her role as acting Head of Immigration and Employment Services at the City of Helsinki. Sorjonen’s previous roles include Service Manager in the local government pilot on employment in Helsinki, and Vice-Principal at Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute. Sorjonen is a Master of Education. She will start as the Head of Employment Services on 1 March.
– The field of employment is facing major changes with TE2024, as responsibility for the extensive area of employment services is transferred from the local government to municipalities. Preparations for this change have been ongoing for a long time, and Helsinki has already made great progress with the staff and different stakeholders and partners under the local government pilot, Sorjonen says.
– We are tasked with the important mission of creating a service ecosystem for employment where Helsinki residents and companies can genuinely benefit from our services. And when the services benefit their users, Helsinki benefits and thrives as well, Sorjonen continues.
The Employment Services unit is responsible for the promotion of employment in the city, the organisation of public employment services and the related development and coordination. The unit is also responsible for organising services that promote the integration of working-age people.
