Transforming Lives: The Impact of Startup Jobs in Ronneby Municipality
In Ronneby municipality, startup jobs are becoming a crucial tool to combat long-term unemployment while fulfilling organizational needs. The straightforward model involves lending out a job seeker to a workplace that requires additional support, allowing employers to test and develop new employees with financial assistance.
"It was absolutely crucial for us to be able to take in Grace as an additional resource," says Lisa Hjelm, a representative from the local education sector.
Grace Alsaaty, a graduate with a degree in mathematics and statistics from Syria, moved to Sweden in 2014. Despite her qualifications and language skills, she faced numerous rejections due to a lack of experience and local contacts.
"I didn't give up. I learned Swedish through YouTube and got my driver's license to increase my chances," she recalls. After months of searching for a job, Grace contacted the labor market unit in Ronneby, which manages startup jobs – a decision that would mark a turning point in her career.
Soon after, Lisa Hjelm offered Grace a position as a resource within the teaching staff at Sfi, where many students speak Arabic as their first language. "I was pleasantly surprised to have access to such a well-educated person. She had no teaching experience, but we managed to make it work by having her assist in the classroom," Lisa explains.
With her mathematics background, it quickly became clear that Grace would be a perfect fit for assisting math students at Komvux, many of whom share her Arabic heritage. "It’s amazing to see how a person can develop when the conditions are right," Lisa adds.
The success of this initiative is attributed to mentoring and development. Initially, Lisa hadn't planned to hire an additional resource, but thanks to the startup jobs program, she discovered Grace's potential. "We have gained an energetic, skilled, and competent colleague. Without the trial period, we would have never realized her capabilities," says Lisa.
However, employing someone who has been long-term unemployed and lacks experience requires commitment from the workplace. Lisa dedicated herself to providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to help Grace grow in her role.
After two years in a startup position, Grace was offered a permanent job. To secure her role as a high school mathematics teacher, she needed to obtain a teaching license, which she started pursuing while working. By March 2025, she achieved her license and officially became a math teacher in adult education within Ronneby.
"We are incredibly pleased to have found a fantastic math teacher through the startup jobs initiative. It not only benefits society but also gives the individual the chance to thrive when we dare to see the possibilities," Lisa concludes.
How Startup Jobs Work:
- The initiative offers simple support when recruiting individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months or are new to Sweden. For young people aged 20-24 and newcomers, the program applies after just six months of unemployment.
- Financial support can cover up to 60% of the wage cost, with a maximum of 20,000 SEK per month depending on the individual hired.
- The compensation period lasts up to one year for individuals aged 20-24 and a maximum of two years for those aged 25-66. This applies to both permanent and temporary employment, whether full-time or part-time.
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