Author(s)

H. Titheridge

Abstract

This paper reports on the final stage of a project which aimed to identify the factors influencing accessibility of employment and training opportunities for the young unemployed in the rural district of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and to assess the suitability of a number of ICT and transport schemes aimed at alleviating access problems. An accessibility model has been developed and used to assess the current pattern of accessibility. The model was then used to establish the extent to which a number of different transport and ICT schemes would affect the level of accessibility across the District, and thus to inform decision-makers on the most appropriate approach to alleviating youth unemployment. Five schemes were tested for their effect on the accessibility of the area. These were 1) demand responsive transport, 2) vehicle clubs, 3) telecentres, 4) installation of Internet kiosks, and 5) a scheme for supplying home computers. The results show that those without access to a car are significantly worse off in terms of access to jobs, education, job search and ICT facilities, than those with access to a car. Those without qualifications have a much reduced level of access to job opportunities compared with those with some qualifications. Lack of transport seems to exacerbate the problem of lack of qualifications. In terms of increasing access to jobs, the vehicle club scheme had the greatest impact on accessibility levels. Far bigger improvements for those without qualifications could be achieved by increasing their level of qualifications. Keywords: transport, ICT, accessibility, young people, employment, rural.

Keywords

transport, ICT, accessibility, young people, employment, rural.