College support for new recruits

Waitrose, the supermarket division of the John Lewis Partnership, is looking for 60 employees for its new store opening in May on the site of the Co-op, in Buxton Road, Leek.

And it has guaranteed interviews to all 27 trainees taking part in a special work-based academy at Buxton and Leek College this month. Eight men and 19 women are working towards a BTEC Level One qualification in work skills after being referred by Job Centre Plus advisers.

After pre-employment training in college, students are ferried from the Leek campus to the Waitrose store in Buxton for work experience placements.

During their training they are guided through the online application process, and afterwards will be offered places at assessment sessions held by Waitrose.

Sue Baker, the college’s lifelong learning co-ordinator, said: “The feedback we have had so far from those students who have travelled to Buxton on work placements has been excellent so we are very optimistic that the majority will find employment.”