Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is promoting opportunities for young people during Apprenticeship Week 2023 following a visit to his local Marks and Spencer store to find out more about how it has been positively impacting the local community through its Marks and Start work placement programme.
Last summer James, who works with companies such as M&S and Airbus to encourage the take up of apprenticeship opportunities, attended a parliamentary event M&S held to celebrate the milestone of the company offering 20,000 Marks and Start places.
Marks and Start is a work placement programme that helps people from disadvantaged communities who face barriers entering the workforce. The M&S programmes don’t just give people an insight into a career in retail, but also create a clear, accessible route into work.
During his visit to the Prestatyn store, James met young people who are benefiting from the programme.
He said:
"Having heard of the success of the Marks & Start work placement programme at the event in Parliament, I was keen to find out more about the positive impact it is having here in the Vale of Clwyd.
"During my visit I met and spoke to a number of young people who are benefitting from the opportunities the programme provides.
"The programme is open to young people (16-30 year olds) and involves them undertaking a four-week placement to gain practical retail experience and skills working alongside a buddy.
"During the programme they also complete employability training as well as M&S learning to equip them with the skills and behaviours to enhance future employment prospects. Those that successfully complete the placement are offered a 16-hour fixed-term contract. 81% of the young people who complete the programme go on to continue working for M&S."
James added:
"With this week being Apprenticeship Week 2023, I am keen to promote this fantastic opportunity that M&S are offering young people.
"I recently met with the Apprenticeship Minister Robert Halfon to discuss apprenticeship opportunities in North Wales, including M&S and Airbus, and the broader benefits of apprenticeship schemes. As he said apprenticeships are "a no brainer, as you earn while you learn and get a skilled job at the end of it." During our meeting he emphasised that over 90% who complete an apprenticeship get a good skilled job at the end of it or go on to further training.
"I would really encourage any young person who is unsure which direction to take, to explore apprenticeships, which not only help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, but help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future."
During his visit to M&S , the company also shared with James what’s going on in the store more generally – including their commitment to Welsh suppliers, their Eat Well campaign with the Welsh Football Association and their work with chef Tom Kerridge to address cost of living issues.
In addition, they told him about their work in the community, including their longstanding partnerships with Neighbourly to tackle food waste - recently hitting a milestone of donating 50 million meals to charities across the UK over the past seven years."
To find out more about working for M&S in Vale of Clwyd, and the roles and training available, visit https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/. To learn more about M&S’s Marks & Start programme https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/marks-start.
