Sainsbury's is pleased to announce that 104 people have gained work through its Supplier Trainee Partnerships programme since the innovative programme launched in May.
To celebrate the success of the Partnerships the candidates and suppliers were today invited to Sainsbury's Holborn Headquarters. During the day they learnt more about the retailer and also meet a number of senior Sainsbury's executives.
Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury's Property Director, said: I am absolutely thrilled that the Partnerships have been such a success. By working closely with our suppliers we have made a real difference to lives of over 100 people and this is something we are very proud of.
The Partnerships are just one of the ways that Sainsbury's is helping the unemployed and getting the country back to work.
Henry Coomb, who is currently working for RG Group on Sainsbury's new Stanway store, said: The partnerships have made a huge difference to me. Just a few months ago I was unemployed but now I am learning the skills I need for a successful career in construction. Now that I am back in work I am confident, motivated and looking forward to the future.
The Partnerships, which are operated in conjunction with 66 of Sainsbury's top construction, engineering, facilities management and retail suppliers, have provided the trainees with the opportunity to work on real projects and gain unrivalled on the job training.
All of the candidates have received a 12 month paid contract to work for one of the suppliers on a variety of Sainsbury's initiatives including developing new stores and redeveloping existing sites. Candidates receive constant support from Sainsbury's and the suppliers whilst regular assessments ensure that all the participants make real progress. This means that as well as gaining experience the trainees are also exposed to a wide range of new skills.
