“Those who come should not become an isolated island”

How do we attract foreign talent to Norrbotten? And how do we get them to thrive, settle down and stay?

Kaunis Iron has managed to get three specialists to move over a thousand miles – from South Africa to Pajala. This week the Competence Council is meeting at Boden Business Park. Anna Johansson, HR partner at Kaunis Iron, explained on Tuesday how the company has proceeded.

– It was an extensive project over a long period of time. We had no ready-made recruitment channels in South Africa's mining industry. A number of people expressed interest and we focused on the person, their partner, leisure interests. We found out what motivates them, why they wanted to come to us and what their expectations were. These are things that have a big impact on a life-changing decision, says Anna Johansson.

The company conducted field trips, with different arrangements depending on what the candidates were interested in and who they wanted to meet. The Swedish salary structure needed explaining.

– You have to understand that you have already paid health insurance, school fees, etc. when you get your salary. What the tax goes for is a challenge to understand as a South African. 

Kaunis Iron eventually managed to fill three positions: one as a resource geologist and two as exploration geologists. Partners followed suit. Then the next phase began: getting them to become Pajalabor who thrive and become part of the local community. Here, language is one of the keys.

– We started them immediately after signing the contract with training in Swedish during the notice period. Then they continue to study Swedish one day a week during paid working hours. This is so that they will dare to talk to their neighbors. Those who come should not become an isolated island.

During the notice period, the new South African employees were able to join APT via a link. They were given a list of Facebook pages that are good to join if you live in Pajala. On site, they got to meet local ambassadors. 

– We appointed “buddies”, a person they can call and wonder what a crayfish platter is, how to celebrate Midsummer, how do I get hold of an electrician, where are all the people at four o'clock on Friday? If I know I can call Leif 24/7, I feel safer to actually do it, says Anna Johansson.

The small group of new hires from South Africa have already bought a house and had a baby. It looks like Kaunis Iron has actually managed to land its long-distance recruits in the local area.

– We can offer a better life than they can get in South Africa, where people live in fear of violence and crime. 

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