Julian Knight MP is supporting careers in retail in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2020), highlighting the benefits of an apprenticeship in retail to individuals, local communities and the wider economy.
The ‘Look Beyond’ themed week, running from 3 to 7 February 2020, is the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2020) and will see a range of activities and events being hosted across the country, aimed at challenging the outdated views many people still have about apprenticeships and careers in retail.
Julian attended the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) drop-in event at Parliament to learn about the career offerings within retail and to meet apprentices who are currently working for retailers including Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Pret a Manger, Joules, The Company Shop, KFC and McDonald’s.
Speaking after the event, Julian Knight said:
“I am delighted to be supporting careers in retail as part of National Apprenticeship week to showcase the many opportunities that come from securing an apprenticeship in retail.
“The skills required in the retail industry are changing, with greater demand for skills in areas such as digital services and technology. It is therefore important that young people really look at the opportunities a career within retail can provide and consider an apprenticeship.
“I commend retailers for using apprenticeships to equip their workforce with the skills they need as well as bringing new talent into the workplace. It is important for Government to work with the industry to provide greater funding flexibility to ensure that retail has a workforce fit for the future.”
