Navigating Uncertainty: Trainee Hiring Practices in Central Finland During the 2023-2025 Economic Downturn
Kemppainen, Linus (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025070223581
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025070223581
Tiivistelmä
The 2023-2025 economic downturn in Finland was marked by moderate falls in year-on-year GDP growth and increasing unemployment and created significant challenges for graduating students entering the labor market. While research on the impacts of recessions on graduate employment exists for other countries (Oreopoulos et al., 2012; Brunello, 2009), limited investigation has been conducted in Finland.
The research aimed to analyze how the 2023-2025 economic downturn has affected hiring practices in the Central Finland region, identify factors affecting company hiring decisions, and determine strategies for graduates facing these challenges.
A qualitative case study approach was taken, using a semi-structured interview with a senior recruiting consultant from a large Finnish recruiting company.
The results revealed significant slowdowns in trainee and entry-level recruitment, with companies emphasizing specialist recruitment along with internal training and promotions. A growing need for previous practical experience for even entry-level and trainee positions was also identified.
The findings highlight a tension between Finland’s long-term need for young workers to address the demographic challenges of an aging population and immediate economic pressures limiting graduates’ employment opportunities.
The research aimed to analyze how the 2023-2025 economic downturn has affected hiring practices in the Central Finland region, identify factors affecting company hiring decisions, and determine strategies for graduates facing these challenges.
A qualitative case study approach was taken, using a semi-structured interview with a senior recruiting consultant from a large Finnish recruiting company.
The results revealed significant slowdowns in trainee and entry-level recruitment, with companies emphasizing specialist recruitment along with internal training and promotions. A growing need for previous practical experience for even entry-level and trainee positions was also identified.
The findings highlight a tension between Finland’s long-term need for young workers to address the demographic challenges of an aging population and immediate economic pressures limiting graduates’ employment opportunities.