Fujitsu kiosks are just the job

Fujitsu Services and the Department for Employment and Learning have unveiled two new technology applications that promise to make life a lot easier for job seekers.

The IT services company has been working with the Department to develop web-based applications that support both a touch-screen 'JobPoint' kiosks and a new website, jobcentreonline.com.

JobPoints are being rolled out to replace traditional job vacancy boards in JobCentres while internet technology is changing the way in which JobCentre customers access employment services. Both services enable the public to search the Department's vacancies database, while jobcentreonline also allows job applications to be made online to participating employers.

Commenting on the project, Keith Bollen of Fujitsu said: "We have been working with the Department to enable electronic delivery of the JobCentres' critical customer-facing services. The new JobPoints will allow the public to quickly search for accurate and up-to-date job vacancies, while jobcentreonline.com enables more refined searches of the vacancies as well as allowing clients to save job searches, store CVs, and apply online. Job hunting can be time consuming and we hope that these new services will make that process faster and easier."

Adrian Arbuthnot of DEL, has been pleased with customer response to the new facilities during their pilot phase, he added: "Customers have been quick to get the hang of both the kiosks and the website. This obviously pleases us greatly as we are focused on improving customer service as well as meeting electronic service delivery objectives."

Fujitsu have made the technology as inclusive as possible with the kiosks, for example, featuring large buttons and graphics for easy navigation. DEL are also looking at ways of encouraging Job Clubs and other organisations to offer internet access to those who may not have computer facilities at home.

It is expected that organisations such as Job Clubs will help make the website available to members who may not have computer facilities at home.

(GB)