Kilterin koulu - Summer Job 2026
Applying for your first summer job can be challenging, as you haven't yet had the chance to build professional networks. Additionally, there are a limited number of positions specifically aimed at those under 18 years old.
Where to Start? If your practical work-life training (TET) went well, you might have a chance to get a summer job at the same workplace—after all, they already know you there. Many cities also offer positions specifically for those born between 2009 and 2010, which are often easier to secure than roles open to all age groups. Some summer jobs are even open to 14–15-year-old students.
Requirements and Deadlines If a position has an age requirement, it usually only needs to be met by the time the work begins. The same applies to qualifications like a driver’s license or a hygiene passport—you must have them ready before your first day of work.
- Driver’s licenses: More information can be found at Traficom.fi (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency).
- Hygiene passports: More information is available on the Ruokavirasto.fi/en (Finnish Food Authority) website.
Please note that obtaining a driver’s license or a hygiene passport is your own responsibility and may involve a fee. It might also be possible to complete a hygiene passport as an elective course during the 9th grade of elementary school.
The Power of Networks Often, the best opportunities for employment are found through parents, relatives, acquaintances, or hobbies. It is worth calling and staying in touch even with distant relatives—you never know which connection might lead to a job.
Summer jobs in the City of Vantaa
Summer jobs provided by the City of Vantaa for 15–17-year-olds will be open for applications from March 9th to March 31st, 2026.
Each year, the city provides jobs for approximately 250–300 young people. Typical work environments include:
- Maintenance of parks and sports facilities
- Youth services
- Libraries
- Office work
More detailed instructions for 15–17-year-olds on how to apply for these summer jobs will be posted on this page soon.
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Summer Jobs with the City of Helsinki
Applications for summer jobs with the City of Helsinki are submitted through the Helbit Recruitment Portal. More information about the application process can be found on the city's Summer Jobs page.
Important Application Dates: The application period for 16–17-year-olds and the Siisti kesä! (Clean Summer!) project begins on Monday, February 23, 2026, and closes on March 9 at 4:00 PM.
- Youth aged 16–17: Applications open on Feb 23.
- Siisti kesä! project (ages 16–20): Applications open on Feb 23.
These positions are open to all applicants who turn at least 16 during the year. It does not matter if your birthday is later in the autumn. For help using the recruitment portal, you can watch the "Master the Application System in a Minute (in Finnish)" instructional video.
You can apply for summer jobs organized by cities even if you are not a resident of that specific city. As a resident of Vantaa, for example, you are eligible to apply for summer positions in Helsinki, Espoo, or Kerava.
Espoo and Other Cities and Municipalities
The City of Espoo hires approximately 400 summer workers each year. A wide range of positions is available in fields such as property maintenance, green area upkeep, early childhood education, and the sports and youth sectors.
The City of Kerava offers 100 summer job positions for youth born in 2009 or 2010 who have not previously worked for the city.
The Summer Jobs and Internships page provides a direct link to the Kuntarekry recruitment system. Through Kuntarekry, you can apply for city and municipal positions not only in Kerava but all across Finland.
- The application period for Kerava opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, and runs until Friday, February 27.
A listing of other summer jobs can be found on the Kuntarekry Summer Job page.
- You can narrow your search to specific areas, such as the Helsinki metropolitan area, using the Filter Search function on the top side of the page.
Additionally, Vantaa Parishes (Vantaan seurakunnat; in Finnish) look for summer workers aged 16 and over for cemetery maintenance and gardening tasks. Applications are typically open during January and February.
Summer Job Voucher (Kesätyöseteli)
When you find an interesting job, tell the employer about the Vantaa Summer Job Voucher. With this voucher, the city pays part of your salary, making it more affordable for a company to hire you.
The Summer Job Voucher in Brief
- Target Group: Intended for Vantaa residents born between 2008 and 2011 (900 vouchers available). 9th graders will receive an application link via Wilma at the beginning of February.
- How to Apply: Apply electronically at Summer-job voucher for the young.
- Terms of Use: The voucher is personal, and only one is granted per person. The work must take place between May 1 and September 30, 2026.
- Work Hours and Salary: You must work at least 60 hours. The gross salary must be at least €500 (this does not include holiday compensation/lomakorvaus).
- Restrictions: The employer can be a company or an association, but not the state, a municipality, or a private household (e.g., a family).
How Does the Support Work in Practice?
The employer pays the youth's salary as usual. After the employment ends, the city reimburses the employer €300. The settlement must be submitted by October 31, 2026, and must include an official payslip or a certificate signed by the employee as an attachment.
Summer Entrepreneurship: Become Your Own Boss
If you would rather bring your own ideas to life, you can apply for support to work as a Summer Entrepreneur. The program emphasizes independence and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Who: All Vantaa residents aged 15–29.
- Selection Criteria: A limited number of motivated young people will be selected. Priority is given to applicants who already have a clear business idea.
- Support: Every participant receives a personal mentor and a €300 Summer Entrepreneurship Voucher to help start their business operations.
Tips for Your Summer Job Application
Nowadays, almost all positions are applied for online. In addition to your basic information, education, and work experience, you should include all skills that might be useful for the job.
- Example: If you are applying to work at a children's summer camp, mention hobbies like musical talents or your experience in the student council.
- The Most Important Part: The open application text is your chance to stand out. Describe in your own words who you are, what your skills are, and why you should be chosen. Simply listing your contact information is usually not enough to get an interview invitation.
"Tutustu työelämään ja tienaa" (Learn and Earn)
For many, the first step into the working world is the two-week "Tutustu työelämään ja tienaa" (TTT) internship. It is essentially a paid version of the TET period, and the minimum age requirement is 14. For example, many grocery stores hire several of these interns throughout the summer.
Where Else Can You Look for Work?
You can find open positions directly on companies' own recruitment pages. It is worth checking at least the following:
- Retail/Grocery: Kesko (K-stores | In Finnish), S-Group (S-Market, Prisma, Alepa | In Finnish), and Lidl | In Finnish.
- Services and Industry: Lassila & Tikanoja, Fazer | In Finnish, or Linnanmäki.
Pro-tip: As mentioned earlier, a TET placement is an excellent gateway to employment. If you have already completed an internship at a place like the S Group, don't be afraid to ask about the possibility of returning there for a summer job.
Once You Get the Job
Employment Contract and Rules
Always sign a written employment contract with your employer. An oral agreement is only sufficient for informal tasks, such as helping relatives with chores.
- Signing the Contract: If you are 15 or older, you can sign your own employment contract and decide how to use your earnings. For those under 15, the contract is signed by a parent/guardian or by the youth themselves with the guardian's consent.
- Working Hours and Tasks: There are strict regulations regarding work for minors: for example, night work or hazardous tasks are prohibited. More information can be found on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Finland website.
- Holiday Duration: A student under 18 years of age is permitted to spend a maximum of half of their school holiday period working (usually about five weeks).
Salary and Taxation
The amount of your salary is based on the industry's Collective Agreement (TES). You can check the correct agreement, for example, on the SAK (The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions | In Finnish) website.
Remember these points:
- Payslip: The employer must provide a written payslip for every payment. Always check that the base salary, bonuses, and tax withholdings are correct.
- Tax Card: Provide your tax card to your employer in good time. The Tax Administration automatically sends a tax card to 16–20-year-olds at the beginning of the year; otherwise, you must order it yourself: Tax card for a minor. The employer may also receive tax information directly from the Tax Administration.
- Tax Percentage: If your total annual income is below €17,255 (in 2026), your tax rate is 0%.
- Note! If you do not provide a tax card, 60% tax will be automatically withheld from your salary. You will only receive the overpaid taxes back as a tax refund the following year.
More information on taxation for young people can be found on the Verokampus website.
What if things don't go as planned?
If you encounter problems or need advice, Summer Job Helpline is a service maintained by trade unions where you can find basic information on matters such as employment contracts. Their telephone service offers free expert assistance regarding issues like payment discrepancies.
Remember your own responsibilities: An employment contract is legally binding for both parties. You must work your agreed shifts, and you cannot skip work without a valid reason (such as illness).
What if you don't find a job? Even if you don't secure a position or if your employment ends early, you don't have to be idle during the summer. Check out tips for hobbies and events on the Youth Vantaa website.