The employment situation in South Karelia in general and in Imatra in particular is challenging when compared to the whole of Finland. In September 2023, a total of 12.7% of the labour force was unemployed in the Imatra region. A total of 1997 persons were unemployed, of whom 534 were long-term unemployed, which is roughly 27% of all unemployed people in the Imatra region. Compared to the previous year, the number of long-term unemployed persons increased by 21%. The majority of the long-term unemployed were men (59%) (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Southeast Finland 11/2023). The City of Imatra employs roughly 100 persons annually through the wage subsidy scheme. After the subsidised period, these persons should enter the open labour market. The greatest challenges related to employment are linked to this transition. The work ability, personal life situation, level of education, or shortcomings in knowhow can prevent the person from finding employment in the open labour market. Often the person needs professional support in identifying both the challenges and the opportunities, as well as in finding the right career path. The process should be personalised, regular and systematic in order to build up trust. At the employment services of the City of Imatra, this challenge has been identified, and we are seeking to respond to it through a project that develops impactful job coaching. The target groups of the project are long-term unemployed living in Imatra region and persons who have been made redundant in the peat or related industries. The project is expected to have 60 participants. The project aims to develop and enhance the efficiency of the employment processes and activities of the City of Imatra. The job coaching offered to the target group aims to serve as a low-threshold stepping stone to the open labour market, and enhances the position on the labour market of persons whose position is currently weak. Operating models for work trials and employment, impactful job coaching, small group activities that include lifestyle coaching, and an operating model for skills development will be developed during the project, also taking account of trainings that can be completed regardless of time and place. In addition, cooperation will be started within the project with private employment agencies and data will be collected of the needs of persons who have been made redundant in the peat and related industries. The goals of the project are: • The location of the target group in the open labour market, studies, or other measures that support further plans • Reducing unemployment • Enhancing the overall life management of the target group