Welcome Hub Agder is boosting its efforts to help internationals settle down easily and integrate faster by using Places.nu - an interactive map that enables newcomers to engage with their new surroundings in a more personal and meaningful way. To be launched this spring, Places allows users to explore locations through two main features: a […]

Losing a job is never easy - it brings uncertainty, stress, and a flood of questions about what comes next. In order to support those affected by changes to their employment status, Welcome Hub Agder held an event - Downsizing Q&A: Support and guidance on next steps - to provide clarity, support, and actionable guidance […]

After much anticipation, Welcome Hub Agder hosted our first and extra special Coffee Connections on February 6 at Kopano Café, our new home just down the road from our previous location.  As well as welcoming our members to our new location, the conversations over coffee provided a unique opportunity to co-create a welcome centre at […]

As 2024 draws to a close, we are delighted to reflect on an exceptional year marked by milestones and significant achievements. From advancing key initiatives to strengthening our community, 2024 has been a year of growth and collaboration.  Key highlights of 2024 This year, Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) made progress in several areas and we […]

The creation of a Welcome Alliance is one of the key initiatives that can help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour, according to a recent study RECRUIT delivered by NORCE and Agdering. The study highlights that more than half of those who move to Agder for work leave within […]

Welcome Hub Agder’s recent Job Start Course marked a significant milestone by emphasising the importance of mental well-being for international job seekers. For the first time, the course introduced a positive psychology approach to reframing the job search experience, shifting the narrative from struggle to opportunity.  The inclusion of well-being as a key theme reflects […]

In partnership with TEDxArendal and its collaborators, Welcome Hub Agder transformed the backyard of Torvgata 7 into a vibrant space for connection and self-reflection on November 1st. This open-door event, inspired by TEDxArendal’s 2024 theme of Open Doors, encouraged guests to embrace new experiences, meet new people, and explore unfamiliar spaces. At Welcome Hub Agder, […]

Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) recently had the opportunity to participate in two key events focused on attracting and retaining international talent. Copenhagen: International Citizen Days, 26th-27th September 2024 WHA alongside representatives from the Arendal Municipality, visited Copenhagen for International Citizen Days, an event that has grown significantly over the years to more than 5,000 participants and […]

Last week, Morrow Batteries officially inaugurated its cutting-edge battery factory in Arendal, a milestone event as it marks Europe’s first gigawatt-scale factory for Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. In attendance to officiate the ceremony was Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. In his speech, Støre drew parallels to industrial pioneer Sam Eyde, who "opened the gate […]

What motivates companies to recruit internationals? What strategies and support have companies put in place to address the challenges of integrating international newcomers? What needs do internationals have and what challenges do they face in trying to settle down in Agder?   These are just a few of the many pertinent questions that were raised […]