
Silk Road’s Journey: History of the Recruitment Program
In 2012, Silk Road embarked on a journey that would change many lives and redefine the landscape of international recruitment. Established as a family-owned enterprise, Silk Road’s founding vision was twofold. Firstly, we wanted to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Finland. Secondly, we aimed to provide talented individuals with promising career opportunities. From our beginnings, we have evolved into a global factor. Now, we are shaping the future of recruitment with integrity and our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible pathway to work in Finland.
At the core of our mission lies a vision of connectivity – connecting employers with top-tier talent, connecting individuals with life-changing career opportunities, and connecting diverse communities across borders. This guiding principle has been the driving force behind our initiatives that first took place in the Philippines. From the beginning, it was clear we needed to provide language training. Recognizing the pivotal role of language proficiency in what employers assume from the employees, we created a comprehensive language training program. The program was then and has always been free of charge. By the program, we ensure that recruits are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in their new environment.
The Finnish language training program turned out to be more than just a prerequisite for employment. It’s a catalyst for cultural immersion and social integration. By fostering linguistic proficiency, Silk Road empowered recruits to engage confidently with their new communities. That’s how the language training is facilitating smoother transitions and laying the foundation for long-term success.
In our very early stages, we tied a partnership with Topmake International Manpower Services, a respected recruitment agency in the Philippines. Together, we spearheaded the recruitment, training, and deployment of candidates to Finland. That laid the groundwork for our growth and expansion. The operation started in a small classroom with face-to-face language training. As the demand for healthcare professionals continued to grow, Silk Road’s operations flourished, culminating in the deployment of the first 31 employees in 2013. This number steadily grew over the years, and in 2019, we already made 70 deployments.

However, Silk Road’s journey has not been without challenges. The emergence of the global pandemic presented unprecedented obstacles, disrupting traditional recruitment methods and necessitating rapid adaptation. In response, we pivoted to online platforms, revolutionizing our training program and operations to accommodate the new normal. This strategic shift not only enabled us to continue recruitment efforts but also expanded our reach to encompass a global talent pool. Nowadays, the language training, provided by Nordic Languages Review Center (NLRC) is fully an online training, accessible everywhere.
As Silk Road’s footprint expanded, so too did our organizational structure. During the first years, just a handful of people organized and completed all parts of the program. The same people who were holding the orientations were the ones to hold the language training and prepare the people for the departure in the Philippines. In Finland, the people who were contacting the employers here were also the people picking the new employees from the airport, finding them apartments and organizing all the integration actions needed in Finland. What began as a small, hands-on team overseeing all aspects of recruitment evolved into specialized departments. Nowadays we have teams dedicated to sales, recruitment, processing, and integration. This restructuring enhanced operational efficiency, enabling us to manage our growing roster of recruits with precision and expertise of more people.
Moreover, our partnerships diversified, forging alliances with Africa WorkPower in Kenya and Walsons Healthcare, and National Skill Development Corporation International in India. These collaborations empowered Silk Road to tap into new markets. This co-operation also gives the access to local expertise to streamline recruitment processes and enhance candidate experiences.
From our humble beginnings to our current stature, Silk Road’s journey has been characterized by resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. We are proud to provide the opportunity of working in Finland to everyone worldwide. From the 31 first deployments in 2013, we have deployed more than a thousand employees in 2023! As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment, our core values remain unchanged. They are integrity, excellence, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections that transcend borders. If you are willing to be a part of this journey, you can apply by clicking on the button below!