Attention Mentors: Be part of the Vieraasta Veljeksi mentoring program
The program is looking for mentors, with the aim of improving employment opportunities for immigrant men in Finland.
September, 2025.- Since 2016, the Vieraasta Veljeksi mentoring program has been building bridges between Finnish-speaking men and immigrant men seeking employment opportunities in Finland. Organized by Miessakit ry, the initiative has supported over 170 participants, with more than 70% securing jobs or study placements thanks to the program.
Now, the program is looking for mentors, with the aim of improving employment opportunities for immigrant men in Finland. The mentors are voluntary Finnish-speaking men with professional training.
Expanding access in 2025
Applications for the next cycle are now open in two Finnish cities:
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- Helsinki: August 25 - September 8
- Turku: September 22 - October 6
Selected participants will begin their mentorship in autumn 2025, with the program running for six months.
For this initial call for applications, we are looking for mentors, who can apply directly here: https://miessakit.fi/en/frontpage/services/vieraasta-veljeksi-in-english/
Professional mentoring with social impact
Mentoring in Vieraasta Veljeksi is not only about career advancement but also about cultural integration. Through regular meetings, mentors share insights into Finland’s work culture, provide feedback on CVs, and expand mentees’ professional networks. At the same time, mentees gain knowledge, confidence, and stronger ties to Finnish society.
"The strength of the program lies in its people-to-people connection," says a coordinator from Miessakit ry. "When professional networks expand, opportunities follow—and integration becomes smoother."
The program is structured around both one-on-one mentorship and group sessions, where all participants meet three to four times during the process. Additional events, from career coaching to company visits, provide further opportunities for learning and networking.
Together, they form a team with a clear professional goal—whether it’s finding employment, navigating the Finnish job market, or preparing for further studies.
Building skills for the future workforce
Finland’s economy depends on integrating international talent, especially in a context where skills shortages affect multiple industries. Programs like Vieraasta Veljeksi address this challenge by connecting immigrants with experienced professionals who can guide them through both the cultural and professional aspects of working life in Finland.
By focusing on immigrant men with vocational or academic backgrounds, the program helps ensure that skills already present in Finland’s labor market are not lost, but instead directed toward meaningful employment.