Page 39 Supporting our communities


Newcastle vocational placements
The ongoing BTEC placement programme at John Lewis Newcastle started with five students in 2005, and quickly grew to 38 students in 2007.These students had placements one day per week for a year while studying for BTEC qualifications in Retailing and Hospitality, and all students completing the course achieved their qualifications in 2007.The scheme has also generated a talent pool of Partners.

"Being nominated to become a sponsor on the department meant a lot to me. My manager had the confidence in me to be able to support the students. I remember being in their position two years ago, as I had just finished my BTEC placement in November 2006. My confidence and knowledge have really grown and have given me the motivation to aim for more."
Nicola Thackray Selling Assistant Womenswear, John Lewis Newcastle


Sheffield employment schemes
John Lewis Sheffield is playing a pivotal role in piloting Local Employment Partnerships, a new back-to-work initiative. The scheme is a local initiative to help local employers recruit and retain people from a wide range of backgrounds, and brings together business, local government and the voluntary sector to improve economic regeneration, employment and skills training. Job Centre Plus helped the 10 candidates with health and safety, customer service and interview training, based on John Lewis training material, before they joined us for two weeks' work experience; four were then employed over the Christmas period.

"The programme really supported Sheffield's City Strategy and our Local Employment Partnership commitments. As a business we gained great additions to our Christmas temps and the individuals gained valuable paid employment. The highlight was a visit by the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform who met the candidates and shared their stories. The programme allowed the candidates to gain important retail skills such as confidence in delivering customer service and organisation skills in managing their time."
Mark James Recruitment and Development Manager, John Lewis

(Picture of a folded blanket with the caption:)

After the extensive flooding in Yorkshire in 2007, we donated £5,000 of linen and toiletries to help affected residents of Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham, and John Lewis Sheffield delivered a truckload of replacement electrical appliances. We also gave £20,000 to the British Red Cross' National Flood Relief Appeal.


Bristol work experience
Two refugees from Somalia were able to gain two weeks' work experience at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway through the 'Ready To Work' project, part of BITC's Business Action on Homelessness programme. In addition to interview training and a reference, each participant was given a Partner 'buddy' who ensured they had ongoing support. The shop has recruited three Partners from the scheme in the past.


Glasgow mentoring
In 2007, Partners from John Lewis Glasgow provided 480 hours of volunteering, equating to approximately £4,200, to St Roch's Secondary School. They mentored Year 9 and 10 pupils, helping them to widen their understanding and awareness of business, and improve their motivation, timekeeping and attendance. As well as developing the pupils' abilities and employability, the ongoing relationship enhances our reputation in the local area, develops a potential source of recruits, and provides personal and professional development opportunities for Partners.


The scheme, now in its fourth year, helps children selected by their teachers who may need some direction in life. As these pupils are more likely to have poor attendance and average results, the school monitors their attendance, timekeeping and academic results before and after their participation in the scheme. Last year, 78% of the children showed an improvement in their overall attendance and 62% achieved better exam results than predicted.


Further information
> www.bitc.org.uk
Business in the Community

> www.lbg-online.net
London Benchmarking Group

> www.wallaceandgromitfoundation.org
Wallace and Gromit's Children's Foundation

> www.macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support