York jobcentre is working with Leeds-based Blue Apple Training to help fill vacancies with M&S at its outlets in the city centre and at the Vangarde Centre.
Some 15 jobless have taken up roles so far in a scheme featuring pre-employment training and hands-on work experience.
The five day Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) gave those taking part with the skills and confidence needed for roles in retail and customer service.
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Wendy Mangan, Employer & Partnership Manager for York and North Yorkshire said: “The SWAP, led by Blue Apple Training and supported by Marks &Spencer (M&S), offered valuable insights into working in a fast-paced retail environment. Participants gained experience in areas such as effective communication, delivering exceptional customer service, interview preparation and confidence-building”
“Participants in the SWAP training all received a guaranteed interview for seasonal sales assistant roles at both the M&S Vangarde Retail Park location and the York City Centre branch. There is the potential for these festive roles to then become permanent jobs”.
Wendy added the course received great feedback, with those taking part reporting it ‘put all my fears at bay’ and gave them the confidence for such roles.
(Image: Pic supplied)
Mike Gore from Blue Apple Training said: “This programme wasn’t just about training – it empowered individuals with the skills and confidence they needed to shine. Everyone bonded, worked together and progressed well.
“M&S gave a fantastic overview of the jobs available what was required from candidates We are really looking to seeing the success of our participants with some job offers”
“Eighteen individuals completed the SWAP and an impressive 15 participants have already received M&S job offers as a result.”
The initiative comes as the claimant count continues to rise.
In October, York had a claimant count of 2,570, up 365 or 17 per cent on a year ago. For 18-24s, the 475 total was up 65 or 16 per cent on October 2023.
Ryedale reported 690 on its claimant count, up 150 or 28 per cent. The 18-24s made up 75 of this, up 5 or 7 per cent on a year ago.
Selby reported a claimant count of 1,355, up 190 or 17 per cent on last October. For 18-24s, the number was 225 up 30 or 15 per cent over the year.
A DWP spokesperson said of the increase: “As more people move to Universal Credit from legacy benefits, we can expect a rise in the number of claimants.
“We are committed to reviewing Universal Credit so people receive the support they need, while our plan to get Britain working will help more people into work and spread opportunity and prosperity to everyone – wherever they live.”
