Luas operators empower marginalized people to get back to work
23rd July 2013: Luas operator, Transdev Dublin, is delighted to partner with Business in the Community Ireland, the non profit CSR network by supporting their “Ready for Work” Programme. The programme supports people who are marginalised, particularly those who have been homeless, in returning to work.
During the summer, job seekers on the Ready for Work programme were invited to a customer service workshop in the Luas Red Cow Depot where Transdev employees shared their customer care programme called Going for Care.
This programme focuses on the importance of customer care to a business. Nikki Farrell, Customer Care Team Leader explained, “Happy customers make loyal customers. The programme shows how, with the right approach by our staff, a previously unhappy customer can leave with a positive experience.”
Ms Farrell explained the importance of people understanding customer care when applying for a job.
“Every business has a customer and employers like people who understand and appreciate their customers”.
The partnership will be further enhanced later in the year as Transdev has committed to giving work experience in Luas Customer Care to a participant on the programme. David Horgan, HR Manager will also be working with some participants on their interview techniques and CVs.
Mr Horgan commented “ Transdev is inundated with requests from people who wish to drive trams. Some wish to fulfill a childhood dream, others want a change in their employment circumstances. They see Transdev as a potential employer in these challenging times. A strong CV and interview techniques are a very important part of the Ready to Work programme. I look forward to working with the group and to helping them making a change.” The programme is also a fantastic opportunity to enhance employees’ engagement in making the company even further socially responsible, which is one of Transdev’s core values.
Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland commented , “Transdev’s partnership with the Ready for Work programme is an excellent example of how business can play a role in addressing a fundamental issue that is connected to our social and economic wellbeing as a nation. Any person seeking employment, but particularly those with high barriers to employment, need exposure to workplace settings and expertise that inspires them to overcome those barriers. This training for Ready for Work participants was exactly that. It was one of the most highly rated training workshops we have ever offered.”
Transdev’s most recent customer satisfaction survey* shows that 83% of Luas customers are very satisfied with the service offered to them. This is a great result and Transdev felt that the Ready for Work programme provided an opportunity to demonstrate its best practices in customer care while also helping out people in the job market with an interest in that service area.
*Luas Customer Satisfaction Survey, Behaviour and Attitudes, May 2013
For more information-Contact:
Moira Horgan
Marketing Manager
Business in the Community Ireland
T: 01 874 3812
