Tesco Northern Ireland puts 16 unemployed young people through Work Placement Scheme
Tesco Northern Ireland has put 16 young people through their paces as part of the Prince’s Trust ‘Get into Retail’ programme, securing employment.
The four-week programme with the local retailer was one of the most successful placement schemes in the history of the programme, with all 16 colleagues graduating and the Prince’s Trust confirming a record retention rate.
Lynn Livingstone, Recruitment Manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, was in charge of the scheme and commented on its success: “This is our first venture with the Prince’s Trust in Northern Ireland but I’m sure it won’t be the last. To our knowledge, we’re the first employer to start with 16 and finish with 16 – testament to the reputation of Tesco and the quality of training delivered.
“For some of these young people, gaining employment can be life-changing. For many, a job has eluded them due to lack of opportunity, lack of confidence and lack of skills. The ‘Get into Retail’ programme has given them all of this and more. We’re pleased that out of the 16 colleagues, we have been able to guarantee permanent roles for 8 of them and 8 temporary with a view to become permanent.
Sorcha McMakin, Prince’s Trust, said: “Tesco Northern Ireland’s participation in the ‘Get into Retail’ programme offers young people real life skills; they’re treated as members of staff and they’re given a brilliant opportunity to take responsibility on the shop floor. It means that in future interviews they can talk confidently about their on-the-job experience and hopefully secure work in the future.”
Brendan Guidera, Store Director, Tesco Northern Ireland, said: “We were delighted to be involved with this programme. It is a fantastic way to contribute to the very serious issue of youth unemployment in Northern Ireland and help young people in the community get some retail experience and general life skills as well as CV writing, Interview skills, and Food Hygiene all of which are transferable and will stay with them throughout their future careers.”
