A NEW ten-week course to prepare young people for retail careers has been launched in Bradford.

Eleven 16-24 year-olds are taking part in the first local programme run by charity RetailTRUST.

The charity is looking to place another 1,000 young people on the course nationally this year, leading to 400 employment placements.

The local RetailRIGHT training programme has been launched n partnership with Shipley College.

The move is designed to help tackle the high youth unemployment rate in Bradford where nearly six per cent of youngsters are claiming Job Seekers Allowance against a national average of 3.1 per cent – making the city one of the worst affected areas in the UK.

The launch of the new programme comes in the run-up to the opening of the new £265 million Westfield shopping centre in the autumn, which will create hundreds of local retail job opportunities.

Simon Wandsworth, Shipley College employment training co-ordinator, said: “It’s great to be working with RetailRIGHT to help our students find employment.”

Youngsters on the scheme receive a combination of classroom-based training and practical work experience with leading retailers, enabling them to gain skills and experience to progress into retail jobs. They will learn about the retail industry and the skills required, such as team work and communication.

Leading retailers providing work experience for trainees across the UK include Brighthouse, Clarks, Savers, Pets at Home, Moss Bros, Matalan and House of Fraser.

RetailTRUST aims to runs programmes across 20 UK locations this year.