A new survey from retail skills council Skillsmart Retail reveals that as many as 45 per cent of retailers are finding it hard to fill vacancies in their business.
In an attempt to solve the skills gap in the retail sector, a local academy in Twickenham has launched a new programme designed to give young people the skills they need for a career in the industry.
The ten-week course at the Retail Solutions Academy will consist of three days' training per week plus work placements, with areas covered including selling skills, customer service, retail legislation and job application techniques.
Skillsmart Retail's manager for England Jane Rexworthy said that the scheme would benefit retailers and jobseekers alike.
She said: "Participants in the programme will receive specialised training in retail which will ensure they are fully equipped for a successful career in a vibrant, thriving sector.
"Local retailers will benefit from being able to access a pool of appropriately skilled workers to fill their growing number of vacancies."
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