Homebase brings new job opportunities for Derbyshire’s youth
There will be at least two roles up for grabs at dozens of Homebase stores in its service support teams, creating opportunities for young people across the country.
The Kickstart Scheme gives people aged 16-24 the chance to learn valuable new skills, gain real life work experience and build confidence to prepare them to take on the challenges and prospects in the exciting careers that lie ahead of them.
The home and garden expert welcomed the first of its new recruits to its store team in the summer. The six-month scheme will include extensive training to give each young person the opportunity to gain both valuable skills and experience. From stock management processes, digital sales, customer relationship management and health and safety processes, to problem-solving, organisation and teamwork, these are just some of the skills that Homebase’s new team members can expect to learn and take with them into their future careers.
“We’ll be filling 300 placements in 83 of our stores across the country in either the Click & Collect service support teams or the multi-channel service support teams. This means our new recruits will provide brilliant service and will make shopping in our stores even easier for our customers – they’ll become a core part of our team,” says Neil Hill, Head of People & Leadership.
“I’m really excited that Homebase is joining the Kickstart Scheme to help the next generation grow. We’re committed to giving back to the local communities that we live and work in and we’re looking forward to welcoming our new team members.
“I actually entered the workplace myself through a government-funded scheme and I honestly don’t think I would be in this job today if it wasn’t for that opportunity, so this feels special on a personal level, too.
“I ended up having to live on my own at the age of 17, drop out of education and start paying bills, all while looking for a job. I remember the rejection I felt during this time but that ended when I signed up to the government’s Youth Training Scheme which led to a 20-year career with the company that offered me my placement.
“Had I not been given that opportunity, my story could have ended very differently. I can’t help but think of those starting their career who have so much potential and ambition, and I’m over the moon that we can now offer more young talent the chance to join our family.”
Homebase is proud to be involved in the Kickstart Scheme, providing young people at risk of unemployment with the opportunity to begin their career at a retailer with over 40 years of expertise.
In partnership with The Prince’s Trust, a UK-wide youth charity with 45 years’ worth of experience specialising in youth employability support, Homebase’s new team members will receive support every step of the way, with access to the charity’s network of youth support workers, partners and mentors. The scheme is also funded by Department of Work and Pensions to ensure every young person participating will be guaranteed National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage.
“I have a son who will be going into the workplace in the next three years, so I know how tough it can be to get into the world of work these days,” adds Neil.
“As an essential retailer, it’s important for us to give back to the communities in which we live and work. Kickstart is a fantastic example of this as we’re helping young people take the first step in their career.”
Homebase has 152 stores and 15 standalone Bathstore stores employing over 5,600 people across the UK and Ireland, whose specialist knowledge sits at the heart of the friendly and inspiring service it offers customers.
To find out more information about Kickstart please click the link