As part of its recruitment initiative, the UK division of the business has launched its first Traineeship programme in selected M&S Simply Food stores at Birmingham New Street Station and locations in London.
SSP has been a trusted partner of M&S Simply Food for 13 years, operating stores at a number of UK airports, train stations and hospitals under an exclusive franchise arrangement. The trainees will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills on the job, whilst also having a support network designed to develop their work related skills and attitudes.
Trainees will work towards a qualification based around a level 1 NVQ in Customer Service. It will include teaching new recruits the skills to deliver excellent customer service, how to communicate with colleagues, dealing with everyday customer queries and requests, together with functional skills in Maths and English, plus interview and CV skills.
The programme, supported by Poultec, a leading, national work-based training provider will run for a maximum of 16 weeks, which will include 12 continuous weeks spent on work experience in stores. Trainees will receive regular in-store visits from their course tutors, who will observe and assess their level of work against the standards required.
On completion of the full programme, successful applicants who have demonstrated the appropriate skills and aptitude will be invited to continue their employment with SSP and will be enrolled onto the full Apprenticeship programme.
Christine Holland, National Apprenticeship manager, SSP UK & Ireland commented: “The launch of our new Traineeship programme outlines our commitment to bringing more young people into the hospitality industry.
"We need talented people who share our passion and enthusiasm for delivering great customer service. Our bespoke training and development programmes encourage young people to learn while they earn and we ensure we nurture, support and develop them towards genuine career prospects.”