

For many foreign-born jobseekers in Sweden, finding work can feel out of reach – especially without local language skills or work experience. The Etableringslyftet (Establishment Boost) project, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), takes a different approach. Instead of waiting for participants to learn the language first, the project helps them integrate into society by gaining experience and improving their language skills through work placements.
Finding hope after years of unemployment
Shagol knows what it feels like to struggle. She was unemployed for nearly eight years after moving to Sweden. Back home, she had been a housewife, and without formal work experience or knowledge of Swedish, she felt stuck.
‘It was exhausting to be unemployed for so many years. I even had a work placement for four years, but it never led to a job. I started to question myself and whether I was doing something wrong,’ says Shagol.
Everything changed when she heard about Etableringslyftet and joined the programme. She started a work placement at Snäckbacken preschool in Sollentuna, which quickly turned into employment.
‘Having this job has made such a difference. I used to take medication to help me cope, but I don’t need that anymore. Nothing helps as much as going to work, seeing the children, and talking to my colleagues,’ she explains. ‘Now I feel like I’m contributing to society.’
Shagol’s new role has also helped her grow her social network and improve her Swedish.
‘My colleagues have been so welcoming. I feel part of the team. My Swedish has also improved because I talk to the children a lot, and they understand me,’ says Shagol.
A unique approach to integration
Etableringslyftet is a collaboration between three municipalities in northern Stockholm – Sollentuna, Sigtuna, and Upplands Väsby. With support from the Swedish ESF Council, it partners with the Swedish Public Employment Service and employers to match participants to workplaces.
‘Much of the project focuses on matching participants to suitable workplaces. Most placements are in kitchens, restaurants, preschools, schools or manufacturing. After completing the programme, 75 per cent of participants have either found work or started studies that qualify for student finance,’ explains project manager Annika Nordgren.
Unlike other programmes, Etableringslyftet does not require participants to pass Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) before starting work.
‘Many programmes assume language knowledge solves everything. We focus on people’s potential from the start. To help them overcome language barriers, we provide access to intercultural case managers,’ says Nordgren.
Future plans and ongoing impact
The initial project ended in February 2023 and is now extended for two more years with funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), focusing on social innovation. This new phase aims to speed up labour market integration and reduce segregation, with a special focus on women.
‘We believe that every problem has a solution. By working across sectors – with participants, government agencies, businesses, and civil society – we find ways forward,’ says Nordgren.
Through a combination of practical support and cultural understanding, Etableringslyftet helps foreign-born jobseekers like Shagol take the first steps towards independence, confidence, and lasting employment.
Project details
- Project name
- Etableringslyftet (Establishment Boost)
- Countries
- Sweden
- Organisation
- Upplands väsby municipality
- Participants
- 150
- Project start
- 2022
- Project end
- 2025
- Contact details
- Emma Stjernstedt
Emma.stjernstedt@esf.se
+46 26-542731
Esf.se - Total budget
- EUR 1 841 036.71
- EU Budget contribution
- EUR 1 749 059.11