KEOLIS LILLE prepares the underprivileged for employment opportunities

Keolis Lille is committed to sponsoring the recruitment of underprivileged individuals from distressed urban zones. Along these lines, several action campaigns have been developed. Since 2009, partnerships with the Lille and Wattrelos Mayors' Offices (northern France) were created with the aim of offering job training internships prior to hiring. These internships were designed to train individuals without much exposure to the job market in navigating the recruitment process for a bus driver position. One session held for 15 interns has been organized every year; it includes an in-company immersion phase to discover the trade, plus a coaching phase to prepare for both the battery of aptitude tests and the employment interview. Individuals enrolled in this internship program have experienced a hiring success rate 7 times greater than non-intern candidates.

In conjunction with this opportunity, Keolis Lille has been hosting a special information meeting on an annual basis intended for Citéo and Médiapole employees (known as the Vitamin T Group). These Citéo and Médiapole staff are also asked to lend a human touch to transit spaces and ensure their safety. Working towards social or professional advancement, these individuals benefit from familiarity with the operator-client relationship (reception, information, conflict mediation) as well as with the transit network thanks to their service accompaniment mission.

Best Practice spotted by the World Fourm Lille in 2012 and updated in 2014.