Tampere to Apply for State Funding to Reconnect Young NEETs in Hervanta and Northwest

Tampere is preparing a 2026 application for state funding to pilot neighbourhood-based youth employment projects for 18–29-year-olds who are outside work, education or training.

The scheme would draw from a €15 million national pot set aside for 2026–2028 to help major cities develop new ways to boost young people's employment and participation. Tampere has about 63,500 residents aged 18–29; roughly 10,000 are classed as NEET, around 5,500 have been out of work or study for more than six months, and there were about 8,800 unemployed jobseekers under 30 in March 2026. The pilot would focus on Hervanta and Northwest Tampere, where officials identify over 2,100 NEET young people and higher-than-average risks of long-term disengagement, including a significant share of foreign-language youth in Hervanta.

It follows a recruitment support package of nearly €3 million secured earlier this year, which the city later struggled to fully utilise nearly €3m in recruitment support and which produced limited hires to date and limited hires to date.

The project would use a neighbourhood-alliance model, bringing together employers, schools, welfare services, NGOs and researchers to test practical solutions and see what works. The Competence and Vitality Committee has authorised city staff to prepare a project plan and submit an application to the state aid authority once the government decree on youth employment grants enters into force.

The programme aims to deliver skills development, partial or full degrees and initial work experience through a district alliance coordinating employers, schools, the wellbeing services county and local organisations. Deputy Mayor Johanna Kirjavainen said the initiative is "a genuine opportunity to build their own future through education and work."