The labor market is evolving faster than ever, and as the old saying goes, change will only accelerate in the future. Technological advancements, the green transition, digitalization, the internationalization of labor, and shifts in work methods all pose challenges for assessing and forecasting skills demands. Olli Oja, project manager at the Ennakointikamari, explains how foresight information helps in decision-making regarding the workforce.
In the metropolitan area, where the labor market is nationally and internationally significant yet highly dynamic, forecasting the need for skilled labor is a critical issue. Without up-to-date information and seamless collaboration, addressing challenges such as labor market mismatches become nearly impossible.
Lifelong Learning as a Core Theme
In recent years, lifelong learning has been at the heart of discussions on competence development. A growing proportion of the working-age population must update their skills at different stages of their careers. However, the landscape of lifelong learning is fragmented, and changes in education policy are not always made with a comprehensive perspective in mind. A strategy of investing here and cutting there creates challenges for all stakeholders in the field and, ultimately, for individuals trying to navigate their skill development.
Employment areas within the metropolitan area and their cooperation play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. As of early 2025, the new employment areas are responsible for procuring education and guiding job seekers, replacing the previous Uusimaa TE Office.
Addressing Challenges Requires Accurate Data and Its Effective Utilization
Without unified and coordinated data collection and analysis, efforts to improve employment and skills may prove ineffective. A proactive approach ensures that job seekers are directed toward fields experiencing labor shortages and that employers can find the skilled workers they need.
It is not practical to analyze future skill needs in isolation within a shared labor market.
Accurate labor market data and its effective use are key parts of the solution. There is often an overwhelming amount of data available on the subject, with new sources emerging regularly—such as the Skills Needs Compass, introduced a couple of years ago. What truly matters is how these various data sources are integrated into everyday decision-making. A common challenge is ensuring that forecasting insights translate into action at the customer interface, whether for job seekers, students, or employers. Organizations must invest in this process to ensure that individuals receive the right guidance at the right time. In a rapidly changing world, we all sometimes need a guide to point us in the right direction.
Collaboration is Essential in a Shared Labor Market
It is not practical to analyze future skill needs in isolation within a shared labor market. While the new employment areas are still establishing their roles, it is beneficial to engage in close cooperation, particularly in forecasting.
The Ennakointikamari, coordinated by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, serves as a forum where educational institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders in the metropolitan area collaborate to build structures that support foresight. By working together, overlapping efforts can be avoided, data quality can be enhanced, and the skills of the metropolitan area’s workforce can be aligned with future needs. Ennakointikamari, together with the new employment areas, is committed to addressing the challenges of the future.
This article was translated by an AI. Please find the original from here.
Photo: Unsplash / Javier Allegue Barros
