NTUC launches mobile job van to help women find jobs

SINGAPORE: The labour movement has launched a mobile job van to help women find jobs.

From July, women who want to return to work can keep their eyes peeled for the "Jobs On Wheels for U" van.

Launched by the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat, the bright pink van will cruise into neighbourhoods all over Singapore to offer women jobs from sectors such as healthcare and finance.

The van will be at different locations every week.

Job seekers can also sign up for training courses to upgrade themselves.

Cham Hui Fong, assistant secretary general, NTUC, said: "A lot of these women have been out of the workforce for many years, or have not joined the workforce before... I think there are some training programmes, (and) booster programmes to see how we can help to regain their confidence now."

But some employers said getting women back to work is a challenge, due to their family commitments.

Derek Teo, senior HR executive, PSA Corporation, said: "Actually, a lot of the ladies applying today have indicated that they would like to have flexi hours... We do have various positions available."

NTUC said it will assess the project’s success before making it a permanent initiative.

"We are not just looking at the success rate... We hope to be able to amplify this, and to actually create more awareness, (so) that those who are in need of jobs will rejoin the workforce. I think there are plenty of opportunities for them," said Ms Cham.

The mobile job van will run from July to October this year.

—CNA/ac/cc