Tesco is introducing free Career Clinics to aid job seekers from economically challenged areas.
- The clinics aim to boost confidence and skills, offering guaranteed job interviews.
- New research shows 56% of job seekers feel ill-equipped for the job market.
- Tesco has streamlined its hiring process by removing CVs and psychometric tests for some roles.
- The company urges government support for training and reskilling initiatives.
In a forward-thinking initiative, Tesco is rolling out free Career Clinics across the UK, aiming to assist over 1,000 individuals in November. These clinics specifically target areas with higher levels of deprivation and economic challenges, illustrating Tesco’s commitment to community support through employment facilitation.
The Career Clinics are designed not only to impart essential life skills and confidence to participants but also to ensure that attendees receive a job interview, especially as part of Tesco’s seasonal recruitment drive. This initiative is timely, considering the new findings by the Social Market Foundation (SMF), revealing that a substantial 56% of people looking to gain employment feel they are not adequately prepared to compete in the current job market.
Further insights from SMF’s research indicate that 36% of individuals underperform in job interviews, while 30% struggle to create appealing CVs. Tesco’s strategy to address these challenges includes the removal of CV requirements and psychometric tests for frontline positions. This change aims to reduce barriers to employment, thereby creating more accessible opportunities for job seekers.
In its distribution teams, Tesco has also introduced recruitment hubs offering personalized support in multiple languages. The move has not only halved recruitment time but has also enhanced workplace diversity by attracting colleagues from various backgrounds.
Notably, Tesco is advocating for government action to facilitate business-led training and reskilling opportunities. The company is particularly supportive of implementing the Growth and Skills Levy, which is intended to provide access to modular and targeted training for workers across all skill levels.
Ken Murphy, Tesco’s Chief Executive, emphasizes the supermarket’s inclusive employment philosophy, asserting that retail jobs can significantly advance individuals’ careers, irrespective of their geographical location or background. “Everyone is welcome at Tesco,” Murphy states, highlighting the potential for retail roles to offer flexible and rewarding career paths.
Tesco’s Career Clinics epitomize its dedication to empowering individuals with skills and confidence, facilitating their entry into the workforce.
