WEST OF ENGLAND
The retail industry is a key economic sector in the West of England and offers opportunities for full-time and part-time employment, long-term career progression as well as self-employment. The retail sector is worth £850 million to the sub-region's economy and represents 6% of the GVA. Over the next ten years the sector is expected to grow by approximately £222 million. (Source: Learning & Skills Council West of England)There are 4,800 retail business units in the West of England and 83% of these businesses employ 1-10 employees. The retail industry employs 58,000 people in the West of England, (12.7% of the local population), of whom 61% work part time. Females' account for 63% of the workforce.
The Retail Skills Network West of England was established in October 2003, to work with employers to identify recruitment and training needs and to develop practical solutions. The Network is led by a steering group of employers, local town centre managers and key support agencies from the West of England. Key partners include Bath City Centre, Broadmead Board, South Gloucestershire Council, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, The Mall, Galleries and Weston Town Centre Partnership.
To find out more about the project's aims click here.
To learn more about the Workforce Development Plan click here.
For more information on different types of job opportunities in the retail industry click here.
To find out what activities are taking place in the area click here.
If you would like to know about qualifications/training opportunities within the retail industry click here.
The Network aims to support and attend all school, college and university careers events. To make these events more effective we need retail employers to participate. We have developed a Retail Careers Activity pack that can be used to interact with students when promoting careers within the retail industry. Click here for more information.
