VALE of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies joined M&S staff with inspiring back stories from across the UK, representatives from The Prince’s Trust, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey and even Percy Pig for a reception in the House of Parliament last week.

Celebrating the 10,000 young people completing the Marks & Start programme since 2013, the event highlighted how M&S’ partnership with The Prince’s Trust helps support skills development and creates new job opportunities across the UK.

Marks & Start is a work placement programme that helps people from disadvantaged communities who face barriers entering the workforce. The M&S programmes don’t just give people an insight into a career in retail, but also create a clear, accessible route into work.

Dr Davies said: "This is a fantastic programme where young people (16-30-year-olds) undertake a four-week placement to gain practical retail experience and skills working alongside a buddy.

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"During the programme they also complete employability training as well as M&S learning to equip them with the skills and behaviours to enhance future employment prospects.

“Those that successfully complete the placement are offered a 16-hour fixed-term contract. 81% of the young people who complete the programme go on to continue working for M&S.

"It is quite remarkable that it has supported 10,000 young people since 2013 and I was pleased to join in the celebrations."

Jonathan Townsend, CEO at The Prince’s Trust, said: “Across the UK, there are too many young people lacking the confidence and skills they need, and who are not in employment, training or education.

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“Therefore it remains crucial that we work with partners such as Marks and Spencer that, through the Marks and Start programme and more recently through the Kickstart scheme, can help disengaged young people develop the skills and experience they need to enter the world of work."

To find out more about working for M&S in Vale of Clwyd, and the roles and training available, visit https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/.

To learn more about M&S’s Marks & Start programme visit https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/marks-start.