Retail Skills Hub Officially Launched

West London Retail Skills Hub officially opened last week at Westfield London; a truly pioneering way to address the retail skills shortage and grow the wider business talent pool in West London. The first of its kind, the hub is a beacon of hope for the rest of the UK too.

West London Retail Skills Hub is a new resource developed by Westfield, the charity Spark! and West London College – supported by Ethos Farm, Inspire ATA and West London Business. It will support people of all ages to start or grow their career in retail and was inspired by one of the key recommendations arising from the West London Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which aims to improve skills and opportunities right across West London. It is funded through a blend of investment from the public and private sectors.

Located in the heart of Westfield London, at White City, with an entrance next door to John Lewis & Partners, the hub will develop over the next year to provide world-class retail training – including employment support and specialist retail programmes – for the local community. Jobseekers looking for careers in retail can contact us to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Speaking about the launch, Katie Wyle, Head of Shopping Centre Management, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “We are thrilled about the opening of the new Retail Skills Hub at Westfield London, which represents a significant step forward in redefining retail as a dynamic and rewarding career path. Our goal is to not only support our retail tenants by providing well-trained staff but also to inspire job seekers and employees with the diverse opportunities the retail sector offers. Through targeted outreach, recruitment support, and comprehensive training programs, we aim to showcase retail as a viable and exciting career choice.”

Matt Lent, CEO of Spark! shared: “Spark! is delighted to be a partner in the new Retail Skills Hub, based in the heart of the largest shopping centre in Europe, Westfield London. This resource is a game changer for retailers and young people alike, connecting employers with their future talent and creating the employability skills and pathways into rewarding careers for young people.”

Karen Redhead OBE, CEO & Principal, West London College, added: “West London College is proud to be a key partner in the West London Retail Skills Hub. This exciting initiative opens up invaluable opportunities for communities across the seven boroughs of the region to gain essential skills and experience for a thriving career in retail. By collaborating with local businesses from Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, the hub empowers us to further inspire and drive economic success in the region through high-quality education and skills development.”