Services
As a member of Specia, in addition to professional advocacy, you’ll have access to high-quality services and member benefits for multiskilled professionals. We’re constantly developing our services in line with the changing world of work and the needs of our members.
Advocacy and employment advice
We negotiate fair working conditions and promote equality in the working life. We influence our members’ pay, working conditions, training and legislation on work and employment relations. As a member, you have access to a wide range of legal and employment advice services.
Knowledge development
We support and cultivate diverse career paths through high-quality skills development services. We organise free training and events for our members on the most topical issues in the working life. To support your professional development, we also offer a comprehensive range of Eduhouse online training courses.
Career planning and job search
We help you design your own career and find meaningful work. In addition to personalised job search advice, you’ll have access to a comprehensive career service for all career stages, from the cusp of graduation all the way to retirement. You can also take part in the popular mentoring program for multi-skilled professionals, either as a mentee or a mentor.
For students
We offer professional networks, training and advice to students at the beginning of their professional careers. We provide you with up-to-date information on the job situation and pay in your field, as well as personal support to help you identify your skills and strengths and find a job. When you graduate, you can apply for a Specia Master’s thesis scholarship worth 500 €!
Work retreats
We want more sustainable working days and well-paid workers. We regularly organise popular work retreats, both in person and remotely. Work retreats teach productive work habits and time management to reduce stress and minimise interruptions through deep focus on work.
Training subsidy
We support the self-development of our members’ skills through training subsidies. You can receive up to 200 € per year for fee-based studies, such as open university studies, expert seminars or fee-based courses. You can apply all year round.
Membership also includes
As a member of Specia, you also have access to all the member benefits and services of our umbrella organisation, Akava Special Branches, as well as the Member+ membership service for all Akava members. If you’d like, we can also provide you with earnings-related unemployment allowance from the unemployment fund ERKO. Membership of the fund does not cost extra, as it is included in the membership fee.
Earnings-related unemployment allowance
As a member, you can receive earnings-related unemployment allowance, commuting and relocation allowance or alternation compensation from the Unemployment Fund for Higher Educated Employees, also known as Erko.
ErkoAkava Special Branches member benefits
Get to know the wide range of useful services and benefits available to you through Akava Special Branches.
Akava Special BranchesMember+
Member+ is a dedicated membership service for all Akava members. The service brings together the benefits common to all the Akava unions, from legal services to holiday homes.
Member+Family and inheritance law advice
As a member, you can get free legal advice on matters such as prenuptial agreements, divorce, division of assets, probate inventory, wills and distribution of inheritance.
Legal adviceInsurance
Your membership includes professional indemnity and legal expenses insurance, and you can also take advantage of low-cost membership insurance from If, Turva and Kaleva.
InsuranceCoolla's occupational psychologist
If you are concerned about issues such as well-being at work, balancing work and life or workplace problems, you can book a personal counselling appointment with an occupational psychologist through our partner Coolla.
Coolla's occupational psychologist