Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
You can apply by signing up for the recruitment program via one of the applications avilable on our website.
What positions are available?
Our recruitment program operates continuously, ensuring a constant stream of recruitment opportunities. Specifically, we specialize in recruiting nurses and caregivers from select countries for employment in Finland. However, also other recruitment opportunities pop up within the gastronomy and construction fields from time to time!
Successful completion of the language training program is a necessity for receiving your placement as an assistant nurse in Finland. The specific employer you will be matched with is determined throughout the recruitment process as well as the language proficiency level required. It is important to note however that admission to the language training program does not guarantee placement in Finland and is contingent on your applicant profile being successfully matched with one of our employment opportunities
In Finland, all foreign nurses and caregivers typically begin their journey in the role of an “assistant nurse.” After this some go for the practical nurse apprenticeship program to graduate as a so called Lähihoitaja while others go directly for the credential recognition path and their top-up studies for becoming fully registered finnish nurses, or so called Sairaanhoitaja.
Do you accept cleaners or housekeepers?
Unfortunately as of the moment we do not recruit cleaners or housekeepers.
What is the duration of the recruitment process?
The recruitment process depends on the study pace chosen by the applicant. It typically spans 6 to 12 months, contingent upon the specific language proficiency requirements of different employers. However there is not a set time. Language training continues until you are matched with an employer and make your way to your new home country.
Are there any placement fees to get a job?
There are no placement fees or any other kind of hidden fees.
Is there an age limit for participation?
No, the recruitment program has no age restrictions, as long as you meet the fitness-to-work criteria, meet the educational requirements, meet the experience profile and are at least 18 years old.
How long does the residence permit processing take?
About 4 months on average. It is done during the recruitment process so it does not create any extra waiting times.
Am I eligible to apply?
To check for eligibility and requirements, you may check this link: https://workinfinland.silkroad.fi/requirements/
Which nationalities can participate in the recruitment program?
All nationalities that are eligible to apply for a residence permit in Finland are welcome to participate in our recruitment program. We strictly adhere to ethical and non-discriminatory practices.
Additionally, in line with international recruitment ethics, we also do not recruit healthcare personnel from countries listed on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List (2023)
This helps protect healthcare systems in vulnerable regions.
You can find the list here:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069787
What are the requirements to join the recruitment program?
The requirements depend on the job being recruited for and are always listed in our job specific recruitment ad posted on our Facebook page.
Can I join the recruitment program if I don’t meet the requirements?
No. We are only looking to recruit professionals that fill the requirements. If you have a medical degree that is not stated as a requirement on our website but still think that it should make you eligible to join you can send a message to our recruitment specialist via our contact page.
I have applied but not received an email to the orientations?
Currently our recruitment program for Nurses and Caregivers is not accepting new starters on a regular basis. Slots are opened up only based on available opportunities if they cannot be filled with recruits already in our program.
Where are the online orientations conducted?
Our online orientations are primarily held on-demand via our website only for short-listed candidates.
What happens in the orientation?
During the orientation for potential applicants, we will provide details about Silkroad Workforce Management’s recruitment process.
These include information about the language training, fit-to-work checks, residence permit procedures, salary, taxation, housing, employment contracts with future employers, an overview of available services in Finland, a detailed timeline and step-by-step guide, along with specific requirements.
We’ll also discuss what to expect upon the hired applicant’s arrival in Finland and the next steps in the process. We also do an interactive Q&A session on our Youtube channel. We’d love for you to join us here to address any other questions you might have.
Where can I access the consent form?
The link to the consent form is given at the end of the online orientation. Only those who attend our orientation will have access to this form.
What if I failed in the interview?
If you failed your interview, you may consider reviewing the self-study language kit on Moodle and, if you wish, you can attempt to reschedule another interview. It is also possible to fail the interview and not be offered a re-interview if our interviewer decided that your current life situation does not allow for successful participation in our language training program.
You can retake the initial interview once if offered a retake. But if you fail it twice, you will no longer be eligible for this round of recruitment
What if I missed an interview?
If you missed your interview, please book through the interview link that was sent to you earlier, you may use the link that was previously sent to you. Once confirmed, you should be able to receive details about the interview.
Will the whole process of interview be done in Finnish language?
The interview is mainly conducted in English but it will be testing applicants with questions on the Finnish content of the self study material. Additionally questions regarding your work history, time management and general interest in our program will be tested.
How does language training work?
Language training includes online learning with 1:1 or 1:2 and 1:8 sessions together with your teacher. Different exercises and tasks and bigger language level tests. You will receive a schedule to follow that will help you out with planning ahead. Language training is generally flexible and respects your already existing schedule. However you must be willing and ready to dedicate at least 2 hours per day to your language learning.
How does language training function?
Our language training is conducted online, with one-on-one or one-on-two sessions and one-on-eight sessions with your teacher. It includes various exercises, tasks, and comprehensive language proficiency assessments. You will receive a schedule to guide your planning, and the training is designed to be flexible and accommodate your existing schedule.
Is language training compulsory?
Yes, it is a mandatory part of the program.
Is language training provided free of charge?
Absolutely, it is provided at no cost to the trainee.
However, language studies done in Finland will not be counted as paid time when done during regular working hours. Some employers would usually deduct salary for hours spent on language studies that require attendance in school and are done during regular working hours.
What is the validity of the language exam results?
The language exam is being done as part of Silk Road’s recruitment program process, If your language learning result is more than 2 months from your deployment date you might have to redo the exam.
What if I didn’t pass the language exam?
You are permitted to retake the language exam. If you fail that one as well, you have to discuss your situation with your teacher and it’s then handled on a case by case basis.
Are salaries deducted when further language studies are done in Finland?
Some nurses may experience a situation where their manager deducts study hours conducted during regular working hours from the employee’s salary if the employee doesn’t adjust or modify the hours spent on studying. It’s not exactly charging the employee for the studies, but rather, the person is utilizing working hours to complete the apprenticeship program. It is important to note that study hours are typically not paid for as stated.
Depending on your employer and manager, there might be room for an internal arrangement with your manager or supervisor if you discuss the topic with them.
For instance, if the regular working hours are 8 hours, but the employee needs to attend a 2-hour school during that time, only 6 hours would be paid instead of the full 8. The deduction from the salary is a simplification for the accounting department, reflecting the actual hours worked. The term used for this deduction might be related to “koulutus” or something indicating studies, which might lead to confusion for the employee.
Is Silk Road and Topmake the same company?
No, we work in cooperation with Topmake. Topmake is our local partner agency in the Philippines.
What employers does Silk Road work with?
Silk Road works with Finland’s biggest social and healthcare employers. To only name a few employers we have worked with: Attendo, Esperi, the city of Turku, the city of Vantaa, the city of Helsinki, Päijät Sote, the city of Hämeenlinna, Essote, the town of Forssa, the city of Espoo, Seure, and many more.
Is there an opportunity for an applicant to select the location and working sector in public or private?
Yes, there is a selection process based on performance in language studies given there are enough placements available to allow for the process. The better you perform, the higher your priority in choosing your placement. However, it’s important to note that we cannot guarantee placements in both the public and private sectors. Your choices are limited to the positions that are currently available and offered to you.
Is it possible to bring your family with you to Finland?
Yes, and we advice to bring your family members after 1 year in Finland. You can sponsor your spouse and your children under 18.
What is the salary of an assistant nurse in Finland?
Around 2000€ per month plus additional compensations such as overtime, bonuses , and raises based on years of experience based on the applicable collective agreement, and benefits.
Can you study further while working in Finland?
Yes and most of the employers that we work with have a path of their own for that to ensure that their employees have a possibility for career development as part of the practical nurse apprenticeship program for example.
However, language studies done in Finland will not be counted as paid when done during regular working hours. Some employers would usually deduct salary for hours spent on studies that are done during regular working hours.
Can I work in other countries apart from Finland with my residence permit?
No. The residence permit permits you to work in Finland. It does permit you to travel within Europe for tourism, but not for work.