Mäntyharju opens pop-up job kiosk to match seasonal workers with hidden vacancies

A temporary job kiosk designed to connect employers with short-term workers—particularly summer residents, retirees, and newcomers—opens this week in central Mäntyharju, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The initiative, backed by the European Social Fund and administered by consultancy Tamora, aims to uncover “hidden” job openings that often go unadvertised. Jukka Ollikainen, director of employment services for the Mikkeli region, said many businesses hesitate to post vacancies publicly but still need seasonal staff for roles like market café shifts or event support.

The kiosk will operate from employment service offices on Mäntyharju’s village street, offering face-to-face matching alongside digital job listings. Workers can also access “micro-boost” training—15-minute crash courses in skills like digital photography—while employers receive help screening candidates.

Project lead Jaana Utti of Tamora said the goal was to secure 10 jobs, 10 workers, and 10 micro-courses before launch; one placement has already been made. If successful, the model may expand to nearby municipalities including Kangasniemi, Juva, and Mikkeli.

Visitors can also meet with Mäntyharju’s municipal manager or employment chief to discuss local economic development.