Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) is launching its Job Start Course in Kristiansand in April, marking the first time that the course will be held outside of Arendal.

The course is aimed at providing newcomers with the practical tools and resources that they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Industry professionals are also invited to share valuable insights and strategies for job searching, networking, and skill development.

With approximately 30 percent of participants from previous Job Start courses securing employment within three months of attending, WHA is confident that the course will also make an impact in other municipalities in the region.

"We’re thrilled to have met so many great talents living in Agder and supporting them to take confident steps toward their future careers. Hosting our Job Start Course in Kristiansand is the next logical step for us … we want to support job seekers throughout Agder and we’re excited about this."

- Megan Strand, CEO, WHA 

WHA’s first Job Start course for the year concluded in Arendal last week. Participants learnt:

• how to write a compelling CV and cover letter for a Norwegian employer
• what the interview process is like in Norway and how to ace that interview
• how to use LinkedIn for personal branding
• the importance of networking for internationals seeking jobs in Norway and strategies for effective networking
• the importance of managing emotional and mental challenges that come with job searching, including strategies to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset throughout the job

One participant, Clara Joan Joaquim, had only been in Arendal for a week after moving from Malaysia, when she joined the course. She shared how Job Start equipped her with new strategies to stand out in the competitive Norwegian job market.

“I am currently refining my CV and LinkedIn profile based on the valuable insights shared by the speakers. They highlighted aspects of job hunting—particularly in the Norwegian job market—that I had not previously considered."

- Clara Joan Joaquim, Job Start participant

"A speaker from NAV also provided insights into current job market demands, which I found particularly helpful in aligning my job search accordingly. I am eager to assess my current potential and focus on upskilling to become more competitive,” added Joaquim.

While the course provides an essential introduction to the local job landscape for newcomers to Norway, it also underscores the importance of continued support for job seekers, helping them build confidence and take meaningful steps toward employment in Norway.

WHA would like to thank our collaborators, without whose support this course would not have been possible:

• Eli Skaug Syvertsen, NAV Agder
• Gjermund Nesland, Qualified Professionals
• Joris Neyens, Caritas Arendal
• Karl Norli, Arendal Voksenopplæring
• Kenneth Stubhaug Karlsen, Tekna
• Lars Anders Lai Gathe-Ilebekk, Karriere Agder, Agder fylkeskommune
• Levi Westerveld, Places.nu
• Margrethe Aurora Seljenes, UiA
• Nora Clarke, Mindset Therapy and Coaching Kristiansand
• NHO
• Simen Wik, Frameworks
• Sparebanken Sør
• Fellow internationals - Abida Nagra, Anna Kurus and Sabrina Simmons

Welcome Hub Agder in collaboration with Frameworks AS has launched a digital talent database for international talent in Agder called Talent Hub Database. 

The newly launched talent database is an innovative platform simplifying the recruitment process for businesses and organisations in Agder, and is specifically aimed at both local talents and newcomers with valuable skills seeking opportunities in Agder.

In the talent database, individuals can register and highlight their skills, experiences, areas of expertise, and educational backgrounds, thereby helping to create a dynamic and diverse work environment capable of meeting the region's growing needs.

The database seeks to address Agder’s growing predicament  regarding competency challenges and integration. The influx of international talent in Agder is as a result of the anticipated significant growth in both its business and population. The database will be an effective solution to connect local businesses with international talents who have recently made Agder their new home and are eager to contribute to the local job market.

“Agder, and Norway, is in need of international competence to meet our demands. As we hire from abroad, these talents often have a spouse or partner with equally high competency they bring with them. If we want these valuable newcomers to stay we need to support the spouses in finding meaningful work. The talent database connects businesses with competence that already resides in the region.” says Megan Strand, CEO of Welcome Hub Agder.

Norway has been ranked among the worst in the world in terms of integration and well-being among international migrants (Expat Insider, 2023). This often leads many to leave Norway after a short period, which can also have a negative impact on Agder’s business.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to nurture, integrate, and support both the competency recruited to Agder and their families. 

“We invite businesses, organisations, and talents in Agder to explore the opportunities that the database offers. By gathering a diversity of skills in one place, we take an important step towards strengthening our region's position as an attractive place for innovation and growth,” said Simen Wik,  CEO, Frameworks. 

For more information, visit Talent Hub Database

About Welcome Hub Agder

Initiated by Impact Hub Agder and Arendal Municipality, Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) leads the way in supporting international talents in their integration process while meeting businesses' needs for recruitment and retention of international talent. With a two-pronged strategy, WHA has developed measures that not only facilitate the transition for newcomers and their families but also strengthen local communities, businesses, and organisations through courses, events, and networking. WHA acts as a bridge between talent and businesses, contributing to creating a more dynamic and diverse business environment in the Agder region.

About Frameworks

Frameworks focuses solely on developing feature-rich websites and great digital solutions, specialising in development, design, security, and operations. They have assisted with design, coding, user experience mapping (UX), and have been an ideal partner for the development of the talent database.

Source: Expat City Ranking 2023

Contact: 
Megan Sommer Strand 
Tel: 948 44 518
Email: megan@welcomehub.no  
Website: www.welcomehub.no