A group of Edinburgh and the Lothian residents were congratulated by city council leader Cllr Adam McVey last month after they completed a new six-week training course to help them back into employment.
Retrain in Retail is a free programme funded by Fort Kinnaird owners, British Land, aimed at people aged 30 and above living in the city and surrounding areas who are looking to kickstart a career in retail.
The training is designed to equip students with a wide range of skills, including health and safety, interview techniques, driving customer satisfaction, communication skills and CV writing.
Each student also gains on-the-job experience with a two-week work placement at one of Fort Kinnaird’s retailers, including Smyth’s Toys Store, Currys PC World and The Odeon.
The programme is designed and delivered in partnership with the Recruitment and Skills Centre (RSC). All students who complete the course are awarded an SVQ Retail qualification which is recognised by employers across the industry.
Marise Corrigan was one of the seven students who graduated from the Retrain in Retail programme. She said: “I was out of work before I came here and felt quite downhearted about getting back into employment, but the last six weeks has changed me completely. It’s given me the self-esteem and confidence to get back into work and a career that I love.
“This course has helped me set new goals and open myself up for new working opportunities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my career in retail.”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Following a number of conversations with the RSC, we recognised the need for a training course in Edinburgh aimed at a slightly older age group who may be out of work for many reasons.
“Getting back on the career ladder and finding a role to be excited about can be really challenging. Through Retrain in Retail, the students are given the support, skills, and most importantly, the confidence they need to get back into work and start – what I hope will be – a long and successful career in retail.
“I’m extremely thankful to the RSC and retailers involved, as well as British Land for providing the funding.”
Fort Kinnaird and the RSC will continue to work with the students to support them with job applications and practical advice ahead of interviews.
Retrain in Retail follows the success of Fort Kinnaird’s Bright Lights programme, a free training programme for unemployed 18-24 year olds in the city which has ran over the past four years.
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