Successful launch of Welcome Hub Haugalandet

Initiated by Haugaland Vekst, Welcome Hub Haugalandet is designed to make it easier to move to, thrive in and build a life in Haugalandet – for both international and Norwegian newcomers. Through practical information, social meeting places, language support and job guidance, the hub aims to strengthen belonging and support long-term settlement in the region.

A regional need – and a shared responsibility

The initiative is rooted in an increasing demand for competence in the region, combined with challenges related to retaining newly recruited employees over time.

– We see that many people leave the region after just a few years – not because of their jobs, but because they struggle to settle in socially or lack networks outside of work, says Karianne Ellefsen of Haugaland Vekst.

During the launch, Welcome Hub Haugalandet was highlighted as a complement to employers’ onboarding processes, with a focus on life outside of work and finding a sense of belonging in the local community.

Settling into a new country or region can be challenging. With Welcome Hub, Haugalandet is taking concrete steps to make the transition easier. Photo: Torstein Tysvær Nymoen/Haugaland Vekst.

National perspectives and local support

State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, Kjetil Vevle, placed the launch in a national context and emphasised the importance of local initiatives in efforts to attract and retain competence across the country.

Erik Løland from Sparebankstiftelsen SR-Bank explained why the foundation recently decided to support Welcome Hub Haugalandet with NOK 1.4 million, and highlighted the value such initiatives can create for local communities.

The evening also featured a personal and humorous talk by Henning Aarekol, who shared reflections on what makes Haugalandet special – and why interpersonal connections are often crucial in whether people choose to stay.

Henning Aarekol had the entire audience laughing with humorous and insightful reflections on Haugalandet and its people. Photo: Torstein Tysvær Nymoen/Haugaland Vekst.

How do we get people to stay?

The programme concluded with a panel discussion on how Haugalandet can become an even better place to come to – and stay.

Representatives from the library, education, health, business and inclusion work shared their experiences of the importance of meeting places, language, job opportunities for accompanying partners, and low-threshold arenas where new and established residents can meet.

Engaged panel discussion on belonging, inclusion and finding one’s place in the region. Photo: Torstein Tysvær Nymoen/Haugaland Vekst.

What’s next for Welcome Hub Haugalandet

Welcome Hub Haugalandet is both a physical and digital service for everyone living in the region. The offer includes an information website, social meeting places such as Mingel and Coffee Mingel, a language café in collaboration with the library, as well as job guidance and a mentoring programme through Sammen om en jobb and Talentsamarbeidet.

With support from Rogaland County Municipality and Sparebankstiftelsen SR-Bank, and in collaboration with partners across the region, everything is in place for Welcome Hub Haugalandet to become an important resource going forward.

The message from Heggen and Ellefsen was clear:

– To succeed in the long term, collaboration is essential. With businesses, organisations and engaged individuals who want to help newcomers feel welcome and included.

The launch event concluded with mingling and good conversations – a strong sign of the engagement surrounding Welcome Hub Haugalandet and the shared commitment to building a more inclusive region.

Mingling and good conversations concluded the launch of Welcome Hub Haugalandet. Photo: Torstein Tysvær Nymoen/Haugaland Vekst.

If you represent a business, an organisation or are a passionate individual who wants to help newcomers feel welcome and thrive in Haugalandet – we would love to hear from you!