The Social Development Minister was launching a pilot retail training programme which will be delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College in partnership with Government. It will give unemployed people the chance to gain vital experience, obtain a recognised qualification and master new skills in retail in readiness for the opening of Belfast City Centre’s flagship Victoria Square development on 6 March 2008.
Minister Ritchie said: “Urban regeneration makes a huge contribution to the development of the Northern Ireland economy. It is anticipated that the opening of Victoria Square will create 3,000 jobs in the retail and leisure sectors and my Department is committed to helping unemployed people to prepare for these job opportunities. The pilot Retail Training Programme contributes to tackling disadvantage in Belfast by giving unemployed people essential skills training to apply for the significant number of jobs arising from the regeneration of Belfast City Centre.”
The pilot programme will provide 15 unemployed people with foundation skills in retail such as cash handling, communication and interpersonal skills and job search skills. Several modules are accredited and on successful completion of the course, trainees will obtain a recognised qualification in Customer Care, Health & Safety and Selling Skills.
The programme has been designed by Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) in conjunction with the Department for Social Development (DSD) and Skillsmart Retail Ltd, the sector skills council for retail.
The seven week course is open to unemployed people from all areas of Northern Ireland who are enthusiastic about a career in retail. Throughout the duration of the programme, trainees’ benefits will be protected and financial assistance to meet child care costs will be available to trainees with dependent children.
The Minister said: “This is a practical way of giving unemployed people a better chance of gaining jobs in Victoria Square and is a good example of partnership working between Government, BMC and the private sector to ensure that regeneration schemes like Victoria Square derive benefits for the whole community and result in opportunities for all.”
Paul Sargent, Multi Development UK Managing Director added: "Multi Development UK Ltd has always been committed to ensuring that the regeneration benefits derived from Victoria Square should be accessible to all members of the community. With 15 places on the retail course to be filled by unemployed people, this is a genuine opportunity for those removed from the labour market to consider their future employment and skills base. Multi is delighted that the retail programme is underway – I’m confident the pilot will be a success and will monitor uptake closely.”
Brian Turtle, Director of BMC said: “Our involvement as the training provider demonstrates Belfast Metropolitan College’s pivotal role in building individual careers and at the same time supporting retail employers in creating a world class workforce.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The pilot retail training programme will be advertised in the local press and through the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Jobs & Benefits Offices, Job Centres, and through DEL kiosks in the intermediary labour market providers. Enquiries about the programme to Wendy McAllister, Belfast Metropolitan College, 028 9026 5151.
2. The pilot retail training programme will:
- Provide unemployed people with essential retail skills;
- Create a ‘pool’ of newly skilled employees for retailers;
- Provide trainees with skills training that meets an identified skills gap in the rapidly expanding local retail market place;
- Provide trainees with the opportunity to develop practical skills to enhance their employability; and
- Provide trainees with the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications in the area of retail.
3. The programme is being funded under the Renewing Communities Initiative, action 1.21, Vocational Training through Flagship Developments.
4. Following completion of the course, an evaluation of the pilot (including an assessment of the level of interest) will be carried out to determine if further courses should be considered subject to availability of further funding.
5. Media enquiries – contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
