With over 15 years retail management
experience Alex found himself out of work after the company he had
been working for went into liquidation.
“It was a real shock to be going to work one
day and then to find yourself with no job or income and having to
go to the Jobcentre” said Alex.
Alex knew he had to stay positive and he
wanted to use this career break to try something different within
the retail sector.
Alex had a wealth of experience to draw upon
as he searched for work, he had previously worked within betting
shops for over 15 years, this had ranged from working within large
national companies to small independent stores .Alex said “I knew I
had to be realistic and wouldn’t just walk into another management
position but I felt confident that my skills would transfer into
other retail environments”.
Alex was referred to the Skills Place - Newham
by his local Jobcentre Plus, once there, the training staff
discussed the training and employment opportunities on offer.
The Skills Place – Newham specialise in
advice, training and career development within Retail, Hospitality
and Customer Service. The Skills Place – Newham are working in
partnership with the London Borough of Newham and Westfield to
recruit for many of the stores due to open in Westfield Stratford
City in September this year.
For many people making the transisition from a
manager’s role to that of an assistant would be challenging and
difficult to accept, but Alex was keen to learn.
“I remember how positive and up beat Alex was
on the training programme” said Debra Dixon, one of The Skills
Place - Newham Trainers, “although Alex had a vast amount of retail
experience and had managed and trained staff himself, he embraced
all aspects of the course and used it to refresh his skills”.
Alex successfully completed the 10 day Retail
Works training programme which is designed to cover all aspects of
retail life, from stock management to visual merchandising .
He was then given the opportunity to attend an interview with one
of the stores recruiting for Westfield Stratford City.
“I was nervous before the interview but we had
covered interview techniques as part of the Retail Works programme
so I was comfortable in doing a presentation when asked. I thought
the interview had gone well. I was really shocked when I found out
that I hadn’t been offered a position”.
The next couple of weeks were tough for Alex
as he had been motivated by the course and the prospect of a new
career.
“We had to really work with Alex to help him
rebuild his confidence” said Debra “we were all really disappointed
for him.”
Alex continued to work with The Skills
Place-Newham and was soon invited to attend an interview with high
street giant, Marks & Spencer.
“I knew I had to get it right this time and I
remembered everything we had practised on the course. I was
delighted when I was offered a position within the menswear
department. My wife is thrilled too as she loves M&S so any
employee discount will be put to good use.”
Fiona Stubbs, Director at The Skills
Place-Newham knows that sometimes interviews don’t go to plan,
“Alex is a great example of staying positive and to keep trying”
said Fiona. “When things don’t go to plan it is sometimes easier to
give up than keep going but Alex stayed positive and has been
offered a fantastic opportunity where he can develop his career
back into management if he wishes.”
To find out more about
Retail Works Programme contact The Skills Place – Newham on:
0800 65 25 414 or email: theskillsplace@seetec.co.uk