Empowering Integration: How 'New Start Jobs' in Ronneby Municipality are Transforming Lives
In a bid to combat long-term unemployment and simultaneously address the workforce needs of local businesses, Ronneby municipality has effectively embraced the 'new start jobs' initiative. This program allows the municipality to lend job seekers to workplaces looking for additional support, creating a beneficial scenario for employers who can test and develop potential employees while receiving financial backing.
Lisa Hjelm, a key figure in this initiative, reflects on the profound impact of hiring Grace Alsaaty, a talented individual who embarked on a challenging journey from Syria to the Swedish labor market. Grace arrived in Sweden in 2014, equipped with a university degree in mathematics and statistics. However, despite her educational background and proficiency in the Swedish language, she faced numerous job rejections, primarily due to her lack of local experience and professional connections.
Determined not to be defeated, Grace took it upon herself to enhance her employability. She utilized resources such as YouTube to learn Swedish effectively and obtained her driver's license, all in an effort to widen her job prospects. After enduring months of fruitless job applications, Grace found hope when she connected with Ronneby's labor market unit, which coordinates the 'new start jobs' initiative. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her transformation.
Lisa Hjelm welcomed Grace into her team at SFI (Swedish for Immigrants), where Arabic-speaking students were in need of someone who understood their language and culture. "I was pleasantly surprised to get access to such a well-educated person," Hjelm shares. Although Grace lacked teaching experience, her aptitude for mathematics and her supportive role in the classroom quickly turned her into a valuable asset for students struggling with math, many of whom shared her Arabic background. The match proved to be successful and fulfilling, highlighting how the right environment can foster significant personal and professional growth.
Hjelm had not initially planned to hire additional staff, but the suggestion to consider Grace through the 'new start jobs' program turned out to be advantageous. She expresses gratitude for the program, noting, "We have gained an energetic, skilled, and competent colleague. Without the trial period, we would never have discovered her potential."
Managing a workplace that includes individuals who have been long-term unemployed comes with its challenges. Hjelm emphasized the importance of mentorship and skill development to help her colleagues thrive in their roles. After spending two years in a 'new start job', Grace achieved the milestone of being offered continued employment. However, to transition into a permanent teaching role, obtaining a teaching certification was necessary, which Grace pursued alongside her job responsibilities. In March 2025, she proudly received her certification and became a math teacher in adult education in Ronneby.
Reflecting on the overall success of the 'new start jobs' initiative, Hjelm remarks on the mutual benefits it provides: "It's wonderful to see how a person can develop when the conditions are right. We are very pleased to have gained a fantastic math teacher, and utilizing the 'new start jobs' approach has benefited both the community and the individual."
For those interested in understanding how new start jobs function, it’s a straightforward yet effective mechanism that provides support when recruiting individuals who have been unemployed for over a year or are newcomers in Sweden. This support system is available for specific age groups, providing wage coverage of up to 60% for a maximum of 20,000 SEK per month, depending on the person's age and status. Individuals aged 20-24 or newcomers can access support for six months, whereas those aged 25-66 can qualify for up to two years.
The story of Grace Alsaaty underscores the importance of integration initiatives like 'new start jobs' that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and nurture a collaborative workforce. Through mentorship, support, and a willingness to see potential, Ronneby municipality is paving the way for a brighter future for its residents and the local economy.
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