Unemployed job seekers now have access to free travel services for interviews

Unemployed job seekers in the Western Cape now have access to free travel services for interviews, thanks to a collaboration between the Western Cape Government and Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS).

The ‘Getting YOU to Work’ pilot initiative was officially launched on Thursday, offering job seekers complimentary transportation to interviews through GABS.

‘’The jobseeker transport voucher is being piloted in partnership with the private sector, to remove transport barriers and enable access to job opportunities for unemployed jobseekers. The free travel voucher is offered to interview candidates by registered employers. The vouchers can be used on any GABS bus, on weekdays from 8am to 4pm,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

Mackenzie explained that the free travel voucher offers 12 free trips

“Unemployed jobseekers simply don’t have money for transport, which makes it a significant struggle to look for work and attend interviews. The free travel voucher that we launched removes this initial barrier, with 12 free trips included in the voucher, helping jobseekers find the work they so desperately need.”

During the launch, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC Mackenzie joined the very first jobseekers to make use of the ‘Getting YOU to Work’ voucher, as they attended an interview in Athlone.

SUPPLIED: WCGov

Winde emphasised the importance of this project, saying, “Getting YOU to Work is part of the WCG’s Growth 4 Jobs Strategy. We are doing everything we can to grow the economy, create jobs and tackle unemployment, which currently stands at 20%[1]. We have spoken to people who do not have work so that we understand the challenges they face and where the provincial government can support them.”

“One of the biggest hurdles reported is the cost of transport, especially for those who live far away from economic hubs.  I am thrilled that this initiative will provide tangible support to the many people who are actively looking for work. I encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to register to become a participating employer. By making the travel voucher available to jobseekers, employers can have their pick of the very best candidates that the Western Cape has to offer,’’ he added.

Getting YOU to Work is being piloted in Cape Town and is available to jobseekers who have secured an interview with a participating employer. Employers who would like to sign up to participate can register on the online portal or visit the provincial government’s website (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/tpw/to-work) for more information.

 

Done by: Mitchum George