This isn't just any work experience... M&S relaunches Kickstart placements in Edinburgh stores

Two Marks and Spencer’s stores in Edinburgh are now taking applications for the next cohort of its Kickstart programme, for young people aged 16-24.

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The placement programme aims to help young people on the career ladder by giving them valuable experience.

The second Kickstart cohort will see three new colleagues welcomed at both M&S Edinburgh Princes Street and Fort Kinnaird stores.

M&S at Fort Kinnaird

Jenny McPartlin, Store Manager at M&S Edinburgh Princes Street said: “We’ve already seen the positive impact this experience can have. We’re looking forward to welcoming more young people to our team in July to support them on their career journey.”

Kickstart colleagues will join the stores as Trainee Customer Assistants for the six-month placements rotating across different departments.

As well as gaining retail experience, the programme aims to develop their communication skills and confidence in the workplace.

The programme is run in partnership with youth charity The Prince’s Trust, M&S’s long-standing employability partner since 2004.

Together, they have supported over 9,000 disadvantaged young people into work through their four-week Marks & Start placement scheme.

Stephanie Bagworth, Senior Head of Partnerships at The Prince’s Trust, added: "By working with partners like Marks & Spencer at this critical time, we can support thousands of young people to gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in their new roles, plan their progression and vitally, ensure that their potential isn’t lost to long-term joblessness.”

Applications for the July cohort are now open for applicants at all Jobcentre Plus locations across the UK.

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