The National Skills Academy for Retail has announced that a new scheme designed to help retailers and market traders to recruit talented apprentices is set to launch across the UK this summer.
The Retail Apprenticeship Scheme (RAS) was piloted last year in a select number of cities but will now be rolled out nationwide to retailers of all sizes – from family businesses and market traders to shopping centres and national chain stores.
The scheme will be launched to coincide with Independents’ Day on July 4, a national campaign which gives a voice to the UK’s independent retailers by encouraging people to shop locally and celebrate diversity on the high streets.
Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills for Academy for Retail, said the pilot scheme had proved that there was a strong appetite for retail apprenticeships.
“RAS was initially set up to help smaller, independent retailers and market stall holders to take on talented young apprentices, without having to worry about any HR or administration issues. We have already created apprenticeships at retail businesses in cities including Manchester, Lincoln and Sheffield, and felt that the time was now right to roll the programme out nationally.
“We are also opening up RAS to retailers of all sizes, from independents who may wish to take on one apprentice up to chain stores and national groups where there is a desire to create a whole cohort of apprenticeships.
“The aim of the RAS is to take away all these fears and remove the barriers for retailers in taking on an apprentice. The core benefit of RAS is that the apprentice is employed directly by us – this reduces the risk, cost, time and administration for retailers.
“We also manage the whole recruitment process, preparing the young people for their new roles with training in core retail skills and matching up each business with a suitable apprentice.”
For more information on the Retail Apprenticeship Scheme, visit www.nsaforretail.com
Source: National Skills Academy for Retail
Merseyway Shopping Centre celebrates successful 2024 
Councils gain new powers to address empty high street shops 
Handforth retailer outperforms market