Matalan has committed 75 interview slots for unemployed people who have successfully completed the Skillsmart Retail Works pre-employment programme through the Central South East Skills Shop, part of the National Skills Academy for Retail's nationwide network of retail skills shops. Retail Works is a training course offered across the UK to those who want to get into retail, whether for the first time or after a period out of work.
Over 30 hours, participants get all the tools needed to succeed in retail, including product knowledge, effective selling skills, customer service techniques and health and safety training. Since the programme was rolled out nationwide in January 2009, more than 20,000 people have attended the course. In 2010, 53% of Retail Works candidates found employment because of the knowledge learnt on the programme. Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: "This is a great opportunity for those who want to get into retail in the Crawley area, but perhaps lack previous experience."
Kevin Hollingworth, talent and recruitment manager for Matalan, added: "We know there are plenty of people who have the passion to work for a fashion retailer, good communications skills and the potential to offer excellent customer service, but have not worked in retail before. Through Retail Works we can access these individuals and give them the opportunity to work in the retail sector. As employers we recruit people who are committed and have the basic knowledge that they need, right from the start."
The new Matalan store is due to open in Crawley this August, on the former MFI site on London Road. Interviews for jobs are due to take place in the week commencing 27 June 2011.
