Shaikh was introduced to the YES Project through delivery partner, The Prince’s Trust. Through COVID-19, The Prince’s Trust have been able to deliver most of their service online, allowing participants to access their Get into Retail with Marks and Spencer employability programme. It was this programme Shaikh saw an advertisement for, and as he had been considering a career in retail, he thought it sounded like a good opportunity. He got in touch with The Prince’s Trust and ultimately became a participant on the YES Project.
On this particular employability programme delivered by The Prince’s Trust, participants are given online retail training and support from their keyworker whilst they undertake four weeks work experience at a local M&S store. On completion of the programme, there is the potential for a four-week temporary contract with the store.
“I was looking for a job and I thought this was a great opportunity for me to gain valuable work experience and make myself more employable in the future. It also allowed me to gain experience in retail, which was one of my career prospects.”
Shaikh worked incredibly hard during his time on the programme, and he gained invaluable experience in the retail sector. He credits his new found skills to the experience he had on the programme as well as working with his keyworker and M&S. Shaikh’s abilities and natural flair for a career in retail ultimately helped him receive a contract.
Looking to the future, Shaikh is keen to continue his journey in retail and wants to further his education.
When asked what he’d say to others considering joining the project, he said:
“It is a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience for their future endeavours and make great connections that could be very beneficial to them in the future. The YES Project would help them understand what it’s like working in different sectors and help them decide on their career prospects.”