The Stanna (Stay) project (in Swedish) is underway. On Tuesday evening, about fifteen people gathered at Sara kulturhus. They were seeking answers to a broad question: How can businesses, civil society, religious communities, and associations collaborate to assist all those losing their jobs due to cutbacks at Northvolt?
– We hope to come up with unique ideas about what we can do together, says initiator Anna From-Lindqvist, vice president and co-owner of the educational company Euniqu´em.
– We want to reach out to all those who are being laid off with a clear message: Stay in Skellefteå. We want to help you find new jobs.
They plan to visit the International English School, the Catholic Church in Skellefteå, and work with the Expats and Friends network to connect with people in their communities. Representatives from Skellefteå Mosque, Expats and Friends, Urkraft, the staffing company Lernia, the recruitment and staffing company Randstad, and Sunnanå SK were among the participants.
Losing a job is difficult, but it presents an especially challenging situation for employees here on a work visa from outside the EU. They have three months to find a new job in a country where they may not know the language or have contacts. Innovative solutions to this issue were discussed intensively during the meeting.
Anna From-Lindqvist stood with a whiteboard marker in hand. Euniqu´em's CEO, Peter Lindqvist, wrote on the whiteboard. Ideas about what the unemployed may need in terms of support, information, and possible pathways to new jobs are being shouted out.
"Intensive course in Swedish!"
"Psychological support!"
"Targeted efforts for other employers!"
"Information on starting a business!"
"Contact with the Migrationsverket!"
In their everyday work, Anna and Peter provide matching services where they tailor career plans on behalf of Arbetsförmedlingen. Everyone in the room agreed that it is essential to utilize the expertise currently gathered in Skellefteå, to act swiftly, and to develop an action plan.
– We focus on real job opportunities, says Anna.
– We are exploring the possibility of using validation and skills development. Jobseekers may have extensive experience in a profession but lack certain skills for a specific position. In that case, they can take shorter introductory courses and validate their skills.
Anna believes that associations can also play an essential role.
– Being laid off often leads to some form of physical or mental health issue. Unemployment can be paralyzing. You need someone who says, 'Come on, go play hockey with us!' or 'Join us for football!' That way, you build connections and a sense of not wanting to leave the town.
More actors are involved than those who appeared at the first meeting.
– Skellefteå AIK supports the entire initiative, says Anna.
Anna Katalevych is a talent manager at Randstad. The company works with consultants affected by the cutbacks. The majority of their employees are third-country nationals.
– They depend on their jobs at Northvolt and their work visas. We will try to do as much as possible to help them.