Helsinki public daycare centers need to hire early childhood educators from Spain to counteract the shortage of teachers that the city suffers. Its objective is that it is part of the continuation of a pilot project that emerged last year in the same context in Swedish-speaking nurseries.
Those who are selected for the plan will complete a 9 to 10 month training program that will serve as an introductory guide to life in Finland, according to the city. Work in daycare centers will begin at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
Additionally, as part of the process, the directors of the educational centers will interview the applicants and choose those who will study in Spain. Last August some of them have already started working in Swedish language nurseries and since that moment they have continued their Swedish studies in Finland.
“Our new employees have been incredibly determined and highly motivated to learn the language,” said Kati Mhone, the city’s human resources manager. One of the reasons why Spanish teachers are chosen is because of the great similarity of the titles of early childhood education in both countries.
Likewise, Mhone considers that the only country in Europe that has an excess supply of early childhood education teachers is Spain, which his country, which stands out for its lack of teachers, takes advantage of.
Offer conditions
The offer, published by the Andalusian Employment Service on November 25, has some requirements. Among them, having a B2 level of English and being a graduate in early childhood education. The deadline for submitting applications will be December 11, 2024.
An indefinite employment contract is offered, salary of 3,000 gross euros per monthan intensive distance-funded Finnish course, which can be continued in parallel with entering the job and help finding accommodation and advice on administrative procedures. Additionally, travel expenses are included.
