Re: Aussie looking for work from 20th March

[muzza2]

Hey everyone,

Im moving to Finland (on a defaco-relationship Visa) as of the 15th of march.
the visa I'm moving in on allows me to work anywhere in Finland for 12 months with the ability to extend after that period.

Basically I am an Apprentice Electrician (2nd year) with all of my 2nd year TAFE (college) completed.
I have a Data & comminucations licence already which will allow me to work in the telecomminucations industry (although, Im not very experienced at this yet)

I plan on finishing my apprenticeship as soon as I can get back into the industry - but from my understanding i need level 3 equivalent Finnish language skills (reading & writting) so Im putting the apprenticeship off for the moment unless someone is willing to employee me under these conditions.

I have had many other jobs in the past such as, Insurance sales, general office work, Bartending, Gaming Attendant (pokies)
I have an advanced understanding of computers & a moderiate amount of knowledge about motor-vehicles.

My finnish language skills are quite limited at this point in time, however Im planning on doing some Finnish language courses as soon as possible.

So, any ideas on what my posibilities are?

oh, btw - i'll be living in Hyvinkaa for the first 3 months, then looking to move to either Espoo ish distance around helsinki or closer depending on housing.

Regards,
Chris

[CAD_Guy]

My finnish language skills are quite limited at this point in time, however Im planning on doing some Finnish language courses as soon as possible.

Well not to be pessimistic or anything but I've been here since December 1st, all Finnish classes (in the Helsinki district) have been full and basically I can't get a job because I know very little Finnish. So to put it bluntly you're job prospects are limited by your lack of language. Unless someone wants to hire you regardless of language you'll be pretty much in the same position as I am. No idea what your prospects of finding Finnish classes where you plan to live for the first three months are.

Not sure about the electrician aspect but I'm from the engineering side of things and I was told that it shouldn't have been an issue getting a position as most engineering offices have multilingual staff. However I think with the downturn this is no longer true. Pretty much any job from a street sweeper and up will require Finnish language skills.

I'm not trying to put you off just telling you the truth and how it is.

Just to give you an idea, I'm on a waiting list for Finnish classes and have no idea when they may start. I have a friend who is also in the same position as me and has been here longer.

Welcome to Finland!

[CAD_Guy]

The system did something weird. Sorry for the double post.

[Aussieanja]

The International Evangelical Church has great classes - either intensive or twice a week (the one I do... which is plenty intensive for me!) in the evenings. As far as I know they are not booked up, they are cheap and good. It will not give you a university recognized piece of paper to say you have learnt the language (or are learning) but if what you want to do is be able to speak, read and write... I've found it great. You don't have to be a member of the church to take the courses.

http://www.church.fi/index.php?option=c ... &Itemid=22

As far as finding work, I think you really need to phone (or email - less likely to get you a job, but worth a shot) individual employers, explain your situation, be willing to do any work whether or not you are overqualified and provide a CV. Without a personal approach it's almost impossible to find a job in an already difficult climate (lack of jobs, not all the snow!)

good luck!

[CAD_Guy]

As far as finding work, I think you really need to phone (or email - less likely to get you a job, but worth a shot) individual employers, explain your situation, be willing to do any work whether or not you are overqualified and provide a CV. Without a personal approach it's almost impossible to find a job in an already difficult climate (lack of jobs, not all the snow!)

I have phoned employers and the experience isn't fun as some don't speak English. I have also emailed them with information of who I am why I'm here etc and basically get nowhere. I even have a contact in the industry and he's told me that there isn't much out there so even though there have been jobs for me that I've seen, the truth is there have been layoffs and there's people who are Finnish with higher qualifications than me that can do the job. Jobs in general are scarce. I would retrain but again lacking Finnish is the issue.

Quick question concerning those courses at the church are they purely educational? Meaning no push to join the church. I also don't like giving churches money but I might make and exception on this one.

[Pursuivant]

Well electricians in Finland need to be certified, so you aren't an "electrician" until you do your certs. And to get on a cert course - language. Of course theres people on construction sites doing wiring without certs, but they have to be supervised all the time so as not to do any kenguru wiring

[Aussieanja]

yes, purely educational. I'm not religious either, and don't like people that tend to force feed you faith, but the people that run these courses seem nice and not-pushy

[wicked lewis]

Ive been reading several threads like this one. I just wonder what kind of jobs are in demand over there and if theres ANY chances at all for someone that doesnt know the language fluently. I mean anything... just out of curiosity.

[Pursuivant]

Well... looks mostly like people who know stuff and know it well... a few odd ones. If you search internationally theres loads of medical staf sought to the Gulf countries. So now you know why we have a "shortage".

[CAD_Guy]

Basically as Pursuivant has pointed out if you have high level skills in some areas you should have no issues, there always seems to be something in IT, engineering or specialty field. However anything lower than a masters degree or PhD and you run into difficulty.

So in general lacking language skills is the biggest deficit to finding a job in Finland, especially during a slow time in the economy. When there are so many Fins out of work you are the last consideration when it comes to any position if you don't have language. Sad but true.

[Pursuivant]

If you've read other posts here you'll have seen the warnings.

You people are so NEGATIVE, I am young, I am GOD!

[Aussieanja]

oooh the negativity!

I love living in Helsinki, have been homesick very little, am really glad I moved, and have no plans to head back to Aus any time soon. Yes it can be tough, and there are odd weeks of 'grrrrr' or tears... but you get over it, and it really is a nice place. My advice would be to do what the Finns do (this helps if you have a Finnish partner). I've spoken to some miserable Aussies who have spent the entire winter shivering indoors... (no wonder they're miserable!). Finns are outside no matter the weather (it's all a matter of clothing)... so get a decent coat and get on with it. Be active... actively look for things to do, friends, Finnish lessons, clubs to join... if you sit at home all day by yourself, of course it's going to be miserable.

As far as work goes, yes it's tough, but be persistent, ask your friends and friends of friends and their friends. It's a tight knit community, so if you know someone already - you may get somewhere. Otherwise looking in industries that cater to foreigners or tourists is also good (I know it's not electrician work... but take what you can get and gradually look for something you're interested in). That having been said, I hope you have a lot of savings.

Was that you at the Finnish course on Thurs? I was ill so couldn't make it, but my friend said another Aussie was there (which is unusual - this far I've been the only one)

[dave071061]

I have had many other jobs in the past such as, Insurance sales, general office work, Bartending, Gaming Attendant (pokies)

When you get to Helsinki you could try the casino, they have employed non Finnish speaking dealers in the past.
Good luck