West College Scotland (WCS) have a long standing Partnership Agreement with INTU Properties which is the parent company of INTU Braehead. INTU is one of the UK’s leading shopping centre providers.
The Retail Academy has been designed to Develop the Young Workforce by putting in place standards of training adapted to fit around INTU’s work ethic and culture by implementing specific training such as World Host Customer Service training to energise the students and bridge the skills gap within the retail sector. Retail continues to be the UK’s largest private sector employer with Glasgow retail accounting for the largest consumer expenditure in Scotland per year. The partnership aspires to help develop skills for sustainable growth through extensive links with the local community and industry by building on an employers’ ability to recruit the right talent and to develop and use individuals’ knowledge and skills effectively.
The impact of this programme has achieved impressive outcomes with 86% of those completing the work experience programme now in employment. 100% who completed the course gained SQA accredited certificates in Customer Service and Employability / Work Experience.