In the joint project of the North Karelian VET provider Riveria, Luovi Vocational College and the employment services of the city of Joensuu / Taitamo, the employment of those graduating from vocational education and unemployed jobseekers is promoted. The target is to meet the labor needs of the rapidly developing circular economy sector at the same time. According to many sources the circular economy is seen to create new jobs and, on the other hand, also change the ways of working. In the circular economy, new job possibilities can be discovered / created for people who need special support and matching with tasks. The aim of the project is that 1. graduates of vocational training (including those needing special support and matching with tasks) as well as unemployed jobseekers have the skills and capabilities to be employed or employ themselves in circular economy jobs. 2. the teaching and guidance staff of vocational education as well as the staff of employment services have circular economy expertise and information about the related employment opportunities (incl. those needing special support and matching with tasks). 3. employers' awareness of the possibilities of vocational training, the circular economy, the competence potential of people with special needs and also the services that support employment has increased. 4. the developed operating practices are rooted in the cooperation between the project network and workplaces. Themes related to the circular economy will be brought into more visible role of vocational education and training for job seekers. The project develops and pilots various ways to strengthen circular economy skills in general and also to apply circular economy principles in one's own professional field. The project helps to raise awareness of what kind of opportunities the circular economy brings to employment and new possibilities of business opportunities around the circular economy are also being innovated. The project implements two closely related work packages: Circular economy employment paths and Circular economy competence paths. The project promotes the employment of those for whom it is the most challenging and who need support for it. As a result of the project, the people who participated in the project, have good employability skills/self-employment skills for circular economy tasks. Some participants have already got employed. Opportunities as well as service and competence needs related to the circular economy of workplaces have been identified and conditions have been created to meet them. The teaching, guidance and coaching staff have up-to-date knowledge of the circular economy and related employment opportunities (including those capable of precision work). The project has implemented and piloted new unit of the circular economy that can be included as a part of any vocational qualifications. The workplaces have information about the labor potential of those with specific work abilities and the forms of support for employment that is available. As a result of the project, awareness and knowledge of the circular economy has increased in the area.
