Young people will have a chance to find a new job in retail as part of a scheme run by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with St David’s Dewi Sant.
16 to 30 year olds are being invited to join the ‘Get into Retail’ programme which starts in May, offering free training, support and practical work experience at one of St David’s retailers with the prospect of a job offer on completion. The opportunities are across retail, hospitality, guest services, housekeeping and security.
Get into Retail work experience at St David’s begins with introductory workshops with employability sessions, sector insight from retail staff and creative team activities to develop essential skills followed by participants undertaking a retail work placement with one-to-one training and support. Following the programme, participants will be given the opportunity to interview for a permanent job.
Applications for the new scheme can be made directly to The Prince’s Trust with a Taster Day on Tuesday 17th May. The one-day event will give young people an overview of the programme and what it involves, with 15 going through to the programme which launches at St David’s the following week, from Monday 23rd May.
Millie Nelmes of The Prince’s Trust said: “We see many young people applying for job after job but finding it hard to get that right opportunity. However the Get into Retail programme is a real foot in the door, offering 15 places to learn new skills and work experience at St David’s with the prospect of a job at the end.
“Anyone aged between 16 to 30 can apply for free. No experience in retail is necessary, we’re just looking for a positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn. If you fit the bill and would love a job in retail, whether you lost your job during the pandemic or haven’t been able to find one after finishing school, this is your opportunity. We can even support with travel and food expenses.”
The Prince’s Trust and Landsec, owners and manager of St David’s, have run five Get into Retail programmes at the Cardiff shopping centre since 2016, supporting 61 young people. St David’s retailers signed up to the current scheme include John Lewis, Shake Shack, Tesco, Slim Chickens, Primark, NCP, Victoria’s Secret and Ed’s Easy Diner– with further retailers to be confirmed.
Helen Morgan, Centre Director at St David’s Dewi Sant Cardiff, said: “Retail is a dynamic industry to work in and our brand partners are always looking out for new staff to join us. Get into Retail is a fantastic scheme as it helps us connect with young people and support them to develop their confidence and practical skills with the ultimate aim of bringing them on board to start a new career in retail. We can’t wait to meet the applicants.”
To find out more information and to take part in the Taster Day on Tuesday 17th May, telephone The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842 842 or visit the ‘Get a Job’ pages of the website www.princes-trust.org.uk.
