A number of key convenience players have joined forces with IGD to launch a new training initiative to provide pre-employment skills to unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 24.

Feeding Britain’s Future -Skills for Work Week - will see food and grocery businesses including Booker, Musgrave Group and The Co-op open their doors to young people, offering them an insight into the industry, and helping them to acquire vital skills such as presentation and interview tips.

John Curran, head of sustainability for the Musgrave Group, which will be holding skills events in selected Budgens stores, said: “Musgrave is delighted to have the opportunity to be part of this worthwhile initiative, and we’ve been part of the lead group with the IGD to identify where the skills gaps lie and what the barriers to employment are.”

He added: “We’re committed to playing our part to tackle youth unemployment.”

IGD is urging other businesses to join the 20-plus who have already committed to running training sessions for unemployed 16- to 24-year olds during the skills week.

“This is an exciting start, but the key to success is scale,” said IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch. “The more companies that come on board, the more training opportunities are offered and more young people are given practical advice on what employers are looking for in a new employee.”

For more information on taking part, visit www.feedingbritainsfuture.com.

Source

Gaelle Walker