Home > News > November 2007 > 20 November 2007

Event champions apprenticeships in retail sector

John Denham, secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, and Sir Terry Leahy chief executive of Tesco Plc, will speak in London today at an event to promote apprenticeships.

The 'Raising Commitment to Apprenticeships in the Retail Sector' event has been organised by the sector skills council for retail - Skillsmart Retail - and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN).

It takes place in the wake of the Government's announcement last Friday that more than £11billion a year will be invested in education, employment and training initiatives for young people and adults over the next three years. This includes over £1billion in funding to increase overall apprenticeship places from 250,000 today to more than 400,000 by 2010/11, provided enough employer places are available.

Other speakers at today's event include Sir Roy Gardner, chairman of Compass Group Plc; Chris Banks CBE, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council; Hayley Tatum, personnel director UK Operations, Tesco Plc; and Martin Beaumont, chair of Skillsmart Retail.

Sir Roy Gardner, chair of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network, said: "There has never been a better time for retailers to get involved with the Retail Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships.

"The training and qualifications are relevant and give employees the skills that employers need, whether it is customer service, displaying stock, processing payments or stock control.

"The benefits to business are obvious – a more highly motivated staff with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job."

Skillsmart Retail says there are now more than 5000 people currently taking part in apprenticeship schemes in the retail sector.

Anne Seaman, chief operating officer of Skillsmart Retail, said: "Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly important in raising the skills levels of people working in the sector, and the support that we have received from John Denham and Sir Terry Leahy for this event really highlights how vital they are to the future success of retail."

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Skillsmart Retail

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