The statistics show that during last year the unemployment in the population with higher education has increased faster than in other population groups. From February 2014 to February 2015, overall unemployment has increased by 9.9% while the number of unemployed with higher education degree has increased by 15.9%. As one of the key challenges of the unemployed with higher education, the employment services have found a limited view to competence and way to utilize it in the labour market. In addition, concrete means to market one’s competence are lacking, as the vast majority of vacancies are filled via professional networks of the employer.

Furthermore, keeping up to date with one’s competence is difficult while unemployed. The fear of losing unemployment benefits hinders pro-activity. On the other hand, those who are granted the possibility to study while unemployed, lack the required skills for studying and the support for planning studies that promote employability might be difficult to find. As unemployment prolongs, self-esteem decreases and the confidence in one’s competence weakens.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the project is to increase the customer-oriented services to the unemployed with higher education. The aim of the project is to increase the customer-oriented services to the unemployed with higher education. The objectives are:

1. To increase the joint development of the service providers. The objective is to establish a service process of multiple service providers where the directing to service between the actors is fluent and where the services complement each other.

2. To engage the client in the development of the service. The engagement aims at enhancing the appropriateness of the services and the allowing segmentation. The engagement reinforces the commitment, motivation and empowerment of the client.

3. To produce engaging and multi-channel services that enhance possibilities for employment and self-employment in concrete ways. The services aim at enhancing the client’s ability to recognize and create employment and self-employment possibilities, to support the development of competencies increasing employability, and to assure adequate inner resources for the process.

4. To assure the sustainability of the services and the service process. The aim is to develop services and tools that can be utilized for the benefit of a larger group of clients, also after the project period.

The primary target groups of the project include the unemployed with higher education, also unemployed who have suspended their studies in a university. The target groups also include the actors promoting the employment of the unemployed with higher education, e.g. employment services, unions, cities, educational institutions, career coaching business, and development projects in the field. Furthermore, the target group includes the employers and the business of the regions and the personnel of the potential employers.

The secondary target group includes the unemployed not participating in the project activities, those in risk to become unemployed, and the actors promoting employment. In addition, the secondary target group includes the employers and the business of the regions and the personnel of the potential employers.