HAMK wins Finland’s International Employer competition
HAMK won the public organisations category in the Finland’s International Employer 2026 competition organised by the Finnish Junior Chambers. The competition sought Finnish organisations that have invested in multiculturalism and diversity in the workplace and have successfully recruited, inducted and retained immigrants and international professionals.
The winners were announced at the Talent Boost Summit 2026 event at Finlandia Hall on 7 October 2026. The competition had three categories: SMEs, large companies and public organisations. HAMK participated in the public organisations category, together with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and the Kainuu wellbeing services county. The patrons of the competition were Member of Parliament and Helsinki City Councillor Nasima Razmyar and Minister of Labour Matias Marttinen.
The jury assessed the candidates as a whole, taking into account, among other things, the strategic nature of international recruitment, the management of diversity and equality, the induction and integration of international talent, staff experiences, and the concrete results and impact of the activities.
HAMK in the competition, as reported by its international staff
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) has over 800 employees, of whom 87 are non‑Finnish by nationality and they represent 39 different nationalities. HAMK’s candidate for the competition had been put forward by a group of HAMK employees who are non‑Finnish by nationality and who speak Finnish as their first language. According to the group’s reasoning, HAMK’s practices have promoted the learning of Finnish in a communal way. Alongside language learning, these practices have also supported professional networking and career development within the organisation and strengthened individuals’ own sense that diverse backgrounds are genuinely valued in HAMK’s work communities. The concrete support and mentoring provided by supervisors in skills development, networking and career progression have for some been experienced as even life‑changing. Presence, conversations and even unplanned encounters on campuses were also highlighted as important factors.
“We are honoured, grateful and proud. This recognition is a tribute to our workplace communities operating across seven different campuses and to the recruiting supervisors who support professional networking, skills development and career pathways. The diversity of our workplace communities in terms of nationality and language background is a strength, and we cherish our sense of community and working together. Support for learning Finnish, and the workplace’s assistance in becoming familiar with the practices of a Finnish organisation, are crucial,” says Kati Heikkinen, Head of International Affairs at HAMK.
The International Employer of the Year competition seeks Finnish organisations that have successfully recruited, employed and retained immigrants and international professionals. Through the competition, Suomen Nuorkauppakamarit ry aims to showcase employers’ success stories and encourage more organisations to recruit foreign nationals, who are key to Finland’s future economic growth.
The competition launched by JCI United in 2021 initially focused on identifying Pirkanmaa’s most international employer. It has since expanded nationwide and is now held annually.
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