Jobseekers become contenders for roles at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

More than 80 jobseekers have boosted their chances of finding work after participating in a retail training programme linked to Cannock’s new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands.

Walsall College’s Introduction to Retail employability programme is a two-week course that has been available in Cannock since April 2019. It provides local long-term unemployed people with a pathway towards a career in retail and customer service. Cannock Chase Council, Cannock Job Centre Plus and McArthurGlen all support the initiative.

Debbie Illidge at the College, said: “Everyone completing this programme is now in an excellent position to be considered for job roles when the outlet – set to be one of the area’s major employers – opens this autumn.

“Investing in local skills is important to everyone involved in the outlet’s development.  We look forward to seeing the recruitment process unfold over the coming months and continuing to support our programme graduates.”

Mike Thomas, Centre Manager at West Midlands Designer Outlet, said: “Our new designer outlet is set to become one of the largest employers in the local area and will support around £20 million of employment income for the economy every year.

“The centre will create around 1,000 jobs once it opens this coming autumn. As such, we are proud to be working with Walsall College on the Introduction to Retail employability programme, to help local people develop the core skills required to secure their next employment opportunity.”

The next Introduction to Retail courses are running on 2nd and 16th March at Walsall College’s Cannock Campus. For more information and to apply, call 01543 571 796.