JOBSEEKERS are joining the technological revolution.

The days of scouring advertisements posted up on boards in the local Jobcentre have now long gone as the industry recognises technology really is the way forward and sets about adapting its sites.

Hi-tech equipment, including specially-designed computers which bring all Jobcentre services into one device, are being installed within more than 700 sites making it easier for people to find work.

Free WiFi and 6,000 digital jobsearch computers will be installed at Jobcentre Plus sites across Britain to give claimants a new opportunity to search and apply for jobs online, using the equipment on site or their own devices.

They will also be able to use the computers to keep on top on their claims, calculate benefits and update their CVs.

Removing the standalone jobpoints, which have been a fixture of Jobcentres for two decades, and installing the new computers will save more than £2m per year.

Around 23,000 electronic signing pads will also be introduced at Jobcentres around the country – signalling an end to the old-fashioned paper booklets that jobseekers carry around and sign every time they visit. This move will lead to saving of more than £1m a year.

New tech coaches will also be on hand to help jobseekers get the most out of the new technology.

The new equipment has already been installed in a number of Jobcentres across the country. The roll-out is expected to be completed by spring next year.

Some Bradford sites can already boast of having the equipment installed and Keighley is understood to be one of the first in the country to be using the new electronic signing pads.

The move, enabling claimants to sign on through the technology rather than a coupon, is expected to help to improve security, reduce fraud in the welfare system and make the jobseeking process paperless.

Diana Towler, Employer and Partnership manager for the DWP in Bradford, is based at the Jobcentre in Manningham Lane. She explains that computer technology is already up and running at their sites in Keighley, Shipley and Eastbrook Court, where around 30 Wi Fi-enabled computers have been installed.

“It is about job centres getting into the modern age,” explains Diana.

“A lot of job searching now is done online. A lot of employers and certainly a lot of larger employers do all their recruitment online and it is really in response to that.”

She says the new system is also taking into consideration the moves towards the planned introduction of Universal Credit next year which is expected to see many claims made online.

“It is the way everything is moving,” adds Diana.

Over the years the ways Jobcentres operate has changed significantly. Diana explained they moved away from advertising jobs on boards in the centres to enabling job seekers to look for careers through electronic job points.

But the system has now moved on a step further with the introduction of computers for job seekers to search online.

For those who aren’t up to speed with technology, Diana explains they are working closely with their training partners to deliver basic IT skills. Staff are also on hand within the centres to guide people through the process.

“For those individuals who possibly haven’t got very good computer skills and need support, we have trained staff on hand who can help them,” says Diana.

But what do the jobseekers think about the new equipment? According to Diana, early feedback has been positive with people finding it generally easier. Having staff on hand to help with their queries or compiling CVs is also beneficial.

“It is much easier and much quicker,” she says.

“I think it is going to give individuals more options to look for work and obviously for our staff it is potentially giving them more opportunities to offer flexible one-to-one support and I think Jobcentres potentially will be busy places.”

Minister for Employment Esther McVey said: “Every day, Jobcentres across the country are helping people into work, contributing to record falls in unemployment.

“But as the economy grows and the jobs market changes, so are Jobcentres. Long gone are the Full Monty days of job cards in the windows and queuing for your dole.

“We’re seeing record employment levels – and with this digital revolution, the government is doing even more to help people into work.”