Graduates leaving Lappeenranta contribute to workforce shortage in Finland

Many graduates are leaving Lappeenranta, leading to a significant workforce shortage for local companies. A prevalent reason for graduates relocating is their uncertainty about employment opportunities in the area. Janne Hokkanen, the strategic director at LUT University, commented that graduates might be leaving unnecessarily.

LUT University, alongside LAB University of Applied Sciences, is home to approximately 6,000 students, and around 1,000 master’s degrees are awarded each year. However, Hokkanen acknowledged that there aren’t enough job opportunities for every graduate in Lappeenranta. As the population declines, the demand for skilled workers in the region is projected to increase.

The migration of students has been a long-standing issue for Lappeenranta, with a population of over 72,000, similar to challenges faced by other small student towns. In response, the universities have launched a “Future Talents” program to strengthen connections between students and local businesses. This initiative aims to increase visibility of internship and job opportunities for students, thus encouraging them to consider staying in the region after graduation.

Hokkanen emphasized that when businesses actively demonstrate their desire for skilled graduates, it fosters a conducive environment for students to view Lappeenranta as a promising place for their careers post-study. The concern remains, however, that most students come from outside the region and may be unfamiliar with local firms.

Recent data from LUT indicates that only 13% of graduates from the Lappeenranta campus opted to remain in the South Karelia region after completing their degrees. Furthermore, there are challenges in hiring international students, as local employers are hesitant to recruit individuals who do not speak Finnish. Efforts to improve this situation are ongoing, with hopes of fostering a more inclusive attitude toward global talent.