A new initiative aims to make foreign workers eligible for employment in the municipality of Skellefteå or with other employers
In early 2025, the Municipality of Skellefteå will begin offering language and orientation jobs aimed at EU citizens and third-country nationals.
The new temporary employment program consists of two tracks. Track 1 is intended for EU citizens, while Track 2 requires a university or college degree and is intended for both EU citizens and third-country nationals.
The goal is for those who obtain temporary employment under either track to become employable in Skellefteå Municipality or with another employer. At the same time, Skellefteå Municipality is given the opportunity to utilize the skills needed in its operations.
Track 1 is based on the so-called BEA agreement—regulations for workers in labor market policy initiatives. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen workers’ opportunities to secure regular employment that is in demand in the labor market, and thereby reduce unemployment. Since the positions are offered to EU citizens, the government’s income requirement of 28,500 SEK is not relevant in this context.
Track 2 is based on a different collective bargaining agreement, BAL—provisions for employees in work introduction positions. In this track, the salary will be higher than the self-support requirement.
The temporary positions are full-time and include Swedish language training and an induction plan with mentoring. English language proficiency requirements and various skill requirements are associated with these positions.
“The language and introductory jobs are yet another initiative in a series designed to make it easier for foreign workers to find continued employment in Skellefteå, but they are also a good way for the municipality to address the current skills shortage,” says Evelina Fahlesson (S), chair of the Personnel Committee.
“Skellefteå Municipality is working intensively to support, assist, and find solutions moving forward for both individuals and employers. Since those being trained in any of the tracks are not affiliated with the municipality in any way, these skills may very well be of use to other employers as well, even though our focus is, of course, on the municipality,” says City Manager Kristina Sundin Jonsson.
The language and introductory jobs are a measure developed within the framework of the special organization that the municipality activated this fall. The purpose of this organization is to minimize the negative consequences that Northvolt’s layoff notices and bankruptcy have on the local business community and the municipality’s operations.
These positions are intended to be funded through the additional equalization grant the municipality received from the state for 2025 due to the municipality’s exceptionally strong population growth.