College Training Programme Supports Unemployed Local People into Jobs at New M&S Store in Branksome

Students who enrolled on the course gained job-ready skills in preparation for work at the new retail outlet. The college also ran a similar programme in Weymouth, which began on 28th April, for another new M&S store opening in the retail park there.

Course participants were unemployed individuals referred through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They completed an Employability course with the college that focused on employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and interview techniques.

As part of the programme, students were initially prepared for a taster day with Marks & Spencer. During this day, candidates took part in 10-minute interviews with M&S managers, completed practical tasks, and interacted with customers and staff. Following this, M&S selected eight candidates to undertake a one- to two-week work trial, with successful participants offered employment when the store opened.

Alongside this, the college ran two programmes: one for a position within the Welcome Team, which helped with processing applications and supporting potential new students to prepare for college, and another for an Academic Support Assistant (ASA) role. A further programme for the Enrolment Team is planned to run in June. The college has also collaborated with Skills for Jobs, delivering Employability training before participants progressed onto a Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualification for door security.

Vanessa McMullen, English for Speakers of Other Languages & Adult Education Manager (BSIE/ESOL), said: “Courses like these helped empower our students across the local community by opening up access to education and new opportunities, regardless of background or experience.”

She added: “By providing inclusive learning and practical support, we help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and create brighter futures for them and their families. In turn, these courses help the local economy by supporting businesses to find skilled, proficient local people – whilst upholding the Local Skills Improvement Plan initiative.”

Bournemouth and Poole College has delivered similar programme in Weymouth with Primark and in Bournemouth for SpecSavers. All of the college’s courses were developed in partnership with employers and, this year, programmes were delivered linked to opportunities with Bell Plastics, Rockley Watersports, iGlobal, RGIS, One Choice Healthcare, National Trust, PGL (Osmington Bay), and directly within the college itself.