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Attention to Retail
November 25, 2011
Westfield Stratford City is more than a paradise of purchasing; it’s also a hive of employment activity. Already more than 10,000 jobs have been created at Europe’s biggest shopping
centre, with even more to come from 2014. To ensure that Newham residents can get access to these jobs and progress in their careers once in the roles, Skills Place, together with
Westfield and training provider Seetec, provides tailored training from the shopping centre itself.
The first cohorts of Newham residents are now finishing the course. Trainees Tessa and Andre look forward to a future on the shop floor.
Both had previously been unemployed and were looking for retail roles, but for different reasons. Tessa said: “I’ve got retail experience and the work’s flexible.” Andre was tempted by the bright lights, saying: “The fact that the training centre was at Westfield made it more appealing.”
Over a six-week period, the trainees did classroom-based work, including role play to build confidence and homework to help with time management. All the trainees were sent on a retail placement and guaranteed an interview with a retailer.
Tessa was surprised by how much she learned: “The course raised a few things I hadn’t known about before – different legislation on selling to minors, for example. It covered all the bases.”
And it wasn’t just the content that inspired the two trainees; Andre commented: “I really looked forward to coming here in the morning. I had been feeling pretty demotivated, but the course got me back in the habit of waking up in the morning.
“If you’ve lost confidence, Skills Place will help you get it back.”
Tessa added: “And low confidence is one of the biggest issues when you’re unemployed. That’s what made this such a success.”
Skills Place training: what to expect
- A six-week course with both classroom learning and a practical placement
- Use of the specialised training centre
- A guaranteed interview with a retailer
- Homework assignments
Interested in training for jobs in retail?
Skills Place Newham wants to hear from you. Find out more via Workplace by calling 020 8430 4331.