ABSTRACT
PurposeThis paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities of shifting from physical to virtual employment support delivery prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It investigates associated changes in the nature and balance of support and implications for beneficiary engagement with programmes and job search.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on longitudinal interviews conducted with beneficiaries and delivery providers from a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative in an English region with a strong manufacturing heritage between 2019 and 2021. The initiative established prior to the Covid-19 pandemic involved a strong physical presence locally but switched to virtual delivery during Covid-19 lockdowns.FindingsMoving long-term to an entirely virtual model would likely benefit some beneficiaries closer to or already in employment. Conversely, others, particularly lone parents, those further from employment, some older people and those without computer/Internet access and/or digital skills are likely to struggle to navigate virtual systems. The study emphasises the importance of blending the benefits of virtual delivery with aspects of place-based physical support.Originality/valuePrevious studies of neighbourhood-based employment policies indicate the benefits of localised face-to-face support for transforming communities. These were conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the more widespread growth of virtual employment support. This study fills a gap regarding understanding the challenges and opportunities for different groups of beneficiaries when opportunities for physical encounters decline abruptly and support moves virtually.
ABSTRACT
In Japan, in the field of employment of person of with disabilities, the number of employments is increasing but still there is a problem that there are only a few employment types and industries. [1] In real time, COVID-19 infection control measures in addition to the use of ICT have accelerated new work styles. Also, 3D printers are creating new designs and manufacturing styles. [2], [3] Based on these, the purpose of this research is to develop the training materials so that person with disabilities can become operator of 3D printer and get the work. Finally, the use of it might make inclusive society. The research method is to develop training material and then conduct experiments to use it to verify the training effect. The training material is a video format consisting of slides and audio that can replay and stop by learners. Also, the training content is a basic knowledge of 3D printers and actual modeling operations. In the experiments, learners use the material and make a model and then they answered the questionnaire survey. As a result, by the cross tabulation of the frequency of reviewing the manual and the feeling about the speed of the manual was demonstrated that the speed of manual, contents and understanding of explanation are appropriate without the extreme repetition. In conclusion, it was found that manuals with video and audio were easier to understand in those icons could be shown when necessary. However, there are problems that it would not be possible to respond flexibly in the case of an operation error and in the case of lengthy process. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities of shifting from physical to virtual employment support delivery prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It investigates associated changes in the nature and balance of support and implications for beneficiary engagement with programmes and job search. Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on longitudinal interviews conducted with beneficiaries and delivery providers from a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative in an English region with a strong manufacturing heritage between 2019 and 2021. The initiative established prior to the Covid-19 pandemic involved a strong physical presence locally but switched to virtual delivery during Covid-19 lockdowns. Findings: Moving long-term to an entirely virtual model would likely benefit some beneficiaries closer to or already in employment. Conversely, others, particularly lone parents, those further from employment, some older people and those without computer/Internet access and/or digital skills are likely to struggle to navigate virtual systems. The study emphasises the importance of blending the benefits of virtual delivery with aspects of place-based physical support. Originality/value: Previous studies of neighbourhood-based employment policies indicate the benefits of localised face-to-face support for transforming communities. These were conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the more widespread growth of virtual employment support. This study fills a gap regarding understanding the challenges and opportunities for different groups of beneficiaries when opportunities for physical encounters decline abruptly and support moves virtually. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.