57%
Qualification recognition
Report challenge with recognition of prior qualifications
66%
Employer barriers
Encounter barriers in hiring and career progression
61%
Stress and insecurity
Experience stress linked to prolonged insecurity
From Research to Real Change
Young migrant workers enter jobs quickly but remain stuck. Career Compass identifies the structural barriers preventing them from accessing education and progressing into skilled careers.
For too many young people, entering the workforce is not just about skills, but about navigating complex and unequal systems.
Target
Young Migrant Workers (16-30)
Funding
Nordplus Horizontal (NPHZ-2025/10187)
Lithuania, Finland and Denmark
Focus Area
Integration, vocational education, labour market inclusion, and policy advocacy.
What is Career Compass?
Career Compass is a Nordic-Baltic initiative that examines the structural barriers affecting young migrant workers’ ability to access and move forward in education and work. The project uses a combination of research, stakeholder insights, as well as policy analysis to identify gaps in current systems and propose evidence-based recommendations. Its objective is to contribute to more inclusive and effective policies that support long-term integration and workforce development.
The Reality Behind The Numbers
These figures highlight the reality faced by many young migrant workers across the Denmark, Finland and Lithuania.
Despite strong motivation to build a future, they face structural barriers such as language requirements and limited access to information.
Demanding work conditions further prevent them from accessing education and progressing in their careers.
As a result, many remain stuck in low-skilled jobs with few opportunities for long-term development.
Career Compass is a Nordic-Baltic initiative that examines the structural barriers affecting young migrant workers’ ability to access and move forward in education and work.
The project uses a combination of research, stakeholder insights, as well as policy analysis to identify gaps in current systems and propose evidence-based recommendations.
Its objective is to contribute to more inclusive and effective policies that support long-term integration and workforce development.
78%
Language Barrier
Face language-related barriers
64%
Work–learning conflict
Struggle to combine work and learning
71%
Information gaps
Experience difficulties accessing clear information and guidance
57%
Qualification recognition
Report challenge with recognition of prior qualifications
66%
Employer barriers
Encounter barriers in hiring and career progression
61%
Stress and insecurity
Experience stress linked to prolonged insecurity
78%
Language Barrier
Face language-related barriers
64%
Work–learning conflict
Struggle to combine work and learning
71%
Information gaps
Experience difficulties accessing clear information and guidance
Keys findings
Interviews
0
Surveys
0
Stakeholders
0
Key Outputs
Vocational education and training systems must adapt to the realities of working learners. Modular programmes, blended learning formats, and work-based training pathways can enable migrants to upgrade their skills without exiting the labour market.
Language learning should be embedded within employment and training pathways rather than treated as a prerequisite.
Improved alignment between labour market policies, education systems, and integration programmes is essential. One-stop service models and clearer guidance pathways can significantly reduce system complexity.
Employers play a decisive role in shaping career opportunities. Incentives, partnerships, and structured training programmes can strengthen their engagement in upskilling and workforce development.
The Nordic–Baltic region offers strong potential for policy exchange. Sharing best practices and piloting transferable models can accelerate the development of effective and scalable solutions
Meet the partners
Stakeholder Validation
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