Many immigrants in Finland struggle to find employment that corresponds to their level of education. The reasons can be the lack of networks, insufficient Finnish language skills or the content of their degree. At the same time, Finnish employers have a constant need for experts in different fields of technology and engineering. In the Become an engineer in Finland project a new learning path model is designed for highly educated immigrants who have completed a degree in engineering abroad, need to supplement their qualifications, and develop their professional Finnish language skills to find employment in their own field. The project identifies the existing competencies of the participants and strengthens their working life skills. The project implemented two pilot trainings, a preparatory training, and a diploma of higher education. The learning path is designed based on experiences and feedback collected from the students and teachers. The model allows quick access to working life without completing a new degree. The learning path model can also be applied in other higher education institutions, as well as in other fields of study.

Keywords: engineering, education, higher education, immigrants, qualifications