Free job scheme for young people to start this week

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 this week, 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 first week of Get into Retail at St David’s includes a programme induction, employability sessions, sector insight from retail staff and creative team activities to develop essential skills. The second week will see 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 job.

Applications can be made directly to The Prince’s Trust with a digital Taster Day on Thursday, September 30. The virtual one-day event will give young people an overview of the programme and what it involves ahead of its launch at St David’s in October.

Michael Botzaropoulos of The Prince’s Trust, said: “Anyone aged between 16 to 30 can apply for the free, Get into Retail programme. 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’ve 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 expenses.”

The Prince’s Trust and Landsec, owners and manager of St David’s, have run four 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, Primark, Boots, Flying Tiger, Shake Shack, Tesco and Slim Chickens.

James Waugh, 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 Thursday, September 30, telephone The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842 842 or visit the ‘Get a Job’ pages of the website www.princes-trust.org.uk. You can also email directly Michael.botzaropoulos@princes-trust.org.uk or Alysha.khan@princes-trust.org.uk