Blackpool and The Fylde College has been selected by two high profile businesses to deliver pre-employability training to potential employees. Sub-Zero, an exciting new leisure development in Cleveleys featuring an Ice Rink and Argos, one of the most successful retailers in Blackpool, both tasked the College’s Employability Team to prepare candidates for interview and possible sustainable employment locally.

The courses are run in association with Job Centre Plus and the Skills Funding Agency. They have been written and delivered by experienced lecturers with industry experience and supported by an employability coach and job brokers from the professional team at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Each course was tailored to the needs of the employer, giving candidates a clear competitive edge at interview and equipping them with knowledge and skills relevant to their employment.

Elements included developing customer service, communication skills, dealing with money, and stock control as well as specialist courses such as Challenge 21, Health and Safety, First Aid at Work and Equality and Diversity.

Pre-employment strategies were also built into the courses to ensure learners felt job ready. This involved CV building and interview techniques with additional integrated life coaching and motivational techniques, designed to assist the individual with improving their job prospects.

Chris Barker, Store Manager for Argos, Blackpool deemed the training initiative a success:

"It was good to create a partnership with Blackpool and The Fylde College. I was very impressed with the work they have done with the students in preparation for the interviews. The standard of dress and the way the students conducted themselves during the interviews was of a very high standard."

Kenny Hanson, Manager at Sub-Zero added:

“It’s great to see how many of the learners have stayed and completed the course – even the prospect of working in the cold hasn’t put them off! I’ve heard good reports and I’m sure we’ll be employing as many of the candidates as possible in time for our opening.”

Wendy Hirst, Curriculum Manager at the College said:

“The Pre Employment Programme not only prepares people for the world of work but gives back a sense of dignity, pride, confidence and self worth.”

As a result of the programme, eight people have gained employment with Argos and around twenty are awaiting interviews with Sub-Zero.