A new jobs and training centre is to open at Leeds’s biggest shopping centre.
The venue, known as ‘The Point’, is to open at the White Rose Centre and will focus on promoting opportunities and training in the retail, hospitality and customer care sectors.
Latest figures show the proportion of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Leeds is 4.5 per cent – almost 1 per cent higher than the national average of 3.6 per cent.
The Office for National Statistics figures show Yorkshire and the Humber’s unemployment rate was 10 per cent – compared to the national average of 8.1 per cent, with a total of 272,000 people out of work between May and July this year.
Leeds City Council in partnership with Leeds City College, Land Securities, Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service will open the learning centre tomorrow. (Oct 11)
The Point aims to help people move into employment or further training by offering practical help with job searches, building confidence in job seeking and giving information on training opportunities.
Coun Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for skills, said: “The Point will provide an excellent new resource which will provide communities across the city access to intelligence on the increasing retail opportunities which have been generated as a result of the significant investment in the city.
“The Point will look at ways in which local people can benefit from the diverse jobs market and range of expertise available within the local area and the White Shopping Rose Centre.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to find out more about getting into the retail sector to visit The Point for useful information and advice on the next steps.”
Land Securities’ retail operations director Alison Niven, said: “We are delighted to be partners in this important initiative, which is being launched at a time when more and more people are seeking employment.”
Craig Busby, head of faculty for management and professional studies at Leeds City College, said: “The Point will offer fantastic opportunities for people to train in a wide variety of programmes, all of which will help them to develop outstanding skills in retail and customer service and provide them with the best chances succeeding in this field.”
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