A new national initiative is offering young people in Milton Keynes the chance to gain vital work experience. The Opening Shift programme aims to create up to 100,000 work placements across the UK over the next three years.
This scheme specifically targets individuals aged 18 to 24 who are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training. It provides a structured pathway for them to enter the workforce.
Retail sector involvement
More than 40 major retailers are participating in The Opening Shift programme. These include well-known names such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Tesco, New Look, Wickes, Currys, Greggs, and Pets at Home.
Many of these retailers have a significant presence in Milton Keynes, with stores located throughout the city and its surrounding areas. This local connection means opportunities are accessible to residents.
The programme allows young people to undertake placements lasting between two and four weeks. During this time, they will be assigned a workplace buddy for support.
Participants will acquire practical, hands-on experience in a retail environment. Upon completion of their placement, they are guaranteed an interview with the employer.
Crucially, individuals undertaking these placements will continue to receive their Universal Credit payments. This ensures financial stability while they build their skills and career prospects.
Local benefits and future growth
Milton Keynes boasts a relatively young population and a substantial retail sector, making it an ideal location for such a programme. The City Council is keen for local young people to seize these opportunities.
The skills developed through The Opening Shift are transferable. They can open doors not only in retail but also in related sectors like hospitality and other expanding industries within the city.
Developing these skills is also seen as important for Milton Keynes’s future economic growth, particularly its visitor economy. The city’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029, if successful, could significantly boost visitor numbers and create new employment.
Furthermore, the planned opening of a Universal Studios resort near Bedford in 2031 is expected to generate approximately 8,000 jobs in its initial year. This development is anticipated to spur further opportunities in hotels, leisure, retail, and the night-time economy.
Lib Dem Councillor Peter Cannon, who holds the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People role, highlighted the scheme’s value. He stated it offers a positive chance for young people struggling to find their first job.
Councillor Cannon emphasised that the programme addresses the common challenge faced by young people needing experience to get a job, but struggling to find an employer willing to provide that initial experience.
He added that these placements will help build confidence, develop practical skills, and allow participants to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.
Labour Councillor Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Cabinet Member for Skills, echoed these sentiments. She pointed out the broad applicability of skills like communication, teamwork, and customer service.
Councillor Townsend noted that these abilities are valuable across various careers, extending beyond retail into hospitality, leisure, and the wider visitor economy.
She stressed the importance of young people acquiring these skills now, in anticipation of significant new employment opportunities emerging in the region, including those linked to the Universal Studios development.
The Opening Shift programme is a joint effort between the Department for Work and Pensions and the British Retail Consortium. Access to placements will be managed through Jobcentre Plus.
Further local details regarding the programme’s rollout in Milton Keynes are expected to be announced soon.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM