Borough of Telford & Wrekin

Wheels 2 work

wheels to work logo

What is Wheels 2 Work?
Criteria for the scheme
Details of solutions offered
Benefits to individuals
How to apply for the Wheels 2 Work scheme
For further information

What is Wheels 2 Work?
In 2002, Telford & Wrekin introduced a Wheels 2 Work scheme which assists individuals who live or work in rural areas, who have little or no transport provision, to access employment and training. Since the scheme began it has offered transport solutions to almost 200 people entering the labour market and enrolling on valuable training courses, something that would not have been possible without Wheels 2 Work.

Accessibility to employment and training opportunities are extremely limited when there is little or no transport provision and this can have a huge impact on a person's self-worth and confidence. Wheels 2 Work provides an opportunity to benefit an individual's career in the long run by offering an interim scheme until people are financially and physically able to transport themselves to and from training and work.

The scheme offers several options:

  • personal travel plans
  • bicycle loan scheme
  • car sharing information
  • moped loan scheme
  • subsidised driving lessons
  • compulsory basic training
  • vehicle grants
  • taxi vouchers

All relevant circumstances are taken into consideration and each option is subject to eligibility.

Criteria for the scheme

  • Do you live in an area, or want to travel to work in an area, where there is little or no transport provision?
  • Do you have difficulties with transport in order to access your chosen career or training?
  • Do you live in the Telford & Wrekin council tax area?

If you answered yes to the above, then the Wheels 2 Work scheme aims to help people who are unable to access public or private transport to get to employment and training opportunities.

All relevant circumstances are taken into consideration when assessing eligibility i.e. distance from the nearest public transport routes, availability of suitable transport options for work, shift, training attendance patterns, training history etc.

All applicants will be considered but priority will be given to young people aged between 16-25 years.

Details of solutions offered
Personal travel plans - providing specific information on what, where and when public transport is available to suit your needs.

Bicycle loan scheme - for a short term period allowing you to access employment or training directly, or enable you to access public transport for the continuation of the journey.

Car sharing information - supplying information to match potential lift providers to your needs.

Moped loan scheme - initially for a 6 month period. The Wheels 2 Work scheme provides a moped, helmet, gloves, reflective waistcoat, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and a security lock. You are asked to provide suitable clothing, pay for the day to day running costs of the vehicle and £20 per month towards wear and tear costs. The moped is insured and taxed but you are to be responsible for any accidental damage or insurance excess for damage or theft.

Subsidised driving lessons - vouchers towards 50% of the cost of lessons with the schemes approved driving instructor, plus the cost of one theory and one practical driving test.

Compulsory Basic Training - vouchers are available for the cost of the CBT when you already have your own moped or motorcycle.

Vehicle grant - small grants to repair out of action vehicles facilitating opportunities to access employment or training.

Taxi vouchers - vouchers towards the cost of taxi fares to enable you to access employment or training opportunities.

Benefits to individuals
Individuals that have taken part in Wheels 2 Work have commented on how supportive the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how fulfilled they are in employment and having taken part in training that has enhanced their career prospects.

How to apply for the Wheels 2 Work scheme
All applications to the Wheels 2 Work scheme need to come by way of a referral form from one of the following contacts:

Employment Service (New Deal Advisors)
Telford - 01952 652800
Madeley - 01952 656000
Wellington - 01952 652700

Connexions
Wellington - 01952 385384
Madeley - 01952 684289

New College Transport Advisor
Wellington - 01952 641892

TCAT Student Services and Learner Support
Wellington - 01952 642237

Referrals can also come from training providers, employers and schools.
Referral form (pdf 38.8kb)

For further information
about the Wheels 2 Work scheme contact:

Wheels 2 Work Co-ordinator
Environment & Regeneration
Transport Policy & Management
Telford & Wrekin Council
PO Box 212
Darby House
Telford
TF3 4LB

Telephone - 01952 384609
email Wheels 2 work coordinator



Get Adobe Reader - link opens in a new window

Please note - Some documents published before 1st December 2006 may contain incorrect contact numbers.
.
For up to date contact numbers please refer to the Guide to Council Services.