Teesside is calling for young people in Stockton-On-Tees to take the first step in their retail careers by registering for its free training programme, Bright Lights Starting Out in Retail.
The five-week programme starts on the 25th June and will give young people in Stockton-On-Tees access to high quality training, including advice from industry experts, support with interviews and CV writing, as well as a personal mentor. They will also gain valuable on-the-job experience through work placements at some of Teesside’s biggest brands.
Those interested in signing up to the programme will need to attend a Taster Session on the 20th June which they can register for on Teesside’s website. The session will give people the opportunity to find out more about the training programme, put questions to the course leaders and enrol.
Bright Lights Starting Out in Retail, now in its third year, is funded by Teesside’s owner British Land and delivered in partnership with The Source Skills Academy – a leading centre of excellence for retail and customer service training.
All those that complete the training will receive formal qualifications, including BTEC Level 1 Retail Knowledge, which will be presented to them at a special celebration event on the 27th July.
Mike Clarke, Centre Director at Teesside, said: “The Bright Lights Starting Out in Retail programme can have a real impact on the lives of young people in our community, helping them to discover their potential and gain valuable experience about what it’s like to work in a fast-paced retail environment.
“I’d encourage any young person living in Stockton-On-Tees who is looking for employment to sign up to the Taster Session on 20th June, so they can take a step to kick-start their retail careers.”
Dianne Wainwright, Head of Operations at The Source Skills Academy, said: “Our free training programme is a great chance for young people in Stockton-On-Tees to gain nationally recognised qualifications, as well as experience what it’s like to work with some of the UK’s biggest retail brands.
“So far, more than 330 people have progressed through our Bright Lights Starting Out programme, with almost 70% moving on to paid employment following their training.”