The Bridges to Move on project was carried out between October 1^st, 2018 and March 31^st, 2021 in the Satakunta, Pirkanmaa and Ostrobothnia regions. The European Social Fund (ESF) project was funded through the North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre).

The main executor of the project was Satakunta Educational Federation, Sataedu, with Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova, the City of Tampere / Tampere Vocational College Tredu, Oy EduVamia Ab and the City of Vaasa / Vamia as contributors.

The main objective of the project was to streamline adult immigrant students’ transitions from integration training to preparatory training, and further to vocational training and working life. The target group consisted of young and adult immigrants, as well as other students and those pursuing studies, in need of support in transition phases.

Actions:

1. Mapping out the students’ support requirements in transition phases, and functional models of transition

The challenges involved in transitional phases were mapped out at the initial stage the project. A report on the results can be found in Finnish on the project website siltojasiirtymiin.com.

2. Developing streamlined models through testing

Different kinds of supportive functions were tested throughout the project. The tested functions were aimed at providing support for the students in the application phase, during studies and when applying for further studies and entering the job market.

4. Developing a tool for creating personal learners’ paths (“Polutustyökalu”)

At the final stage of the project, the developed models for creating personal paths for the target group were compiled under the heading “Polutustyökalu” on the project website siltojasiirtymiin.com.

5. Developing co-operation between various actors in the network

New networks were established between the different contributors. The operators met in online meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, further networks were built within the respective institutions and regions of the contributors.

5. Modeling and Distribution

At the final stage of the project, successful experiments were modeled, and the results achieved were distributed within the networks, through webinars and websites.

The concrete results of the project consisted of mapping the needs of the students in transition phases as well as a tool for creating personal learners’ paths (“Polutustyökalu”) that includes the results and the models of the supportive functions tested in the transition phases in various training instances. These include, for example, supportive functions for immigrants in the application phase for studies, those utilized during studies, such as strengthening studying skills and Finnish language skills; preparatory training for obtaining different permits and cards required in working life, ICT and math workshops, and language awareness training for teachers. The results can be found in Finnish on the project website siltojasiirtymiin.com. Furthermore, the basic information on the project as well as the developed models can be found at hyvinvoivaamis.fi website.