Last week, Lewisham Shopping Centre celebrated the success of its partnership with Circle Collective, a unique social enterprise offering inspirational training to unemployed young people through its streetwear store, by holding an exclusive exhibition and graduation ceremony.

Ailish Christian-West, Head of Shopping Centres at Land Securities, led the graduation for 15 young people who successfully completed Circle Collective’s ‘Get Employed’ training course, which has been running at the centre since 2016.

The event, attended by Heidi Alexander, Labour MP for Lewisham East and Vicky Foxcroft, Labour MP for Deptford, offered guests an exclusive look at displays by budding independent designers and creatives, as well as showcasing case studies from those who have secured employment following the completion of the programme.

Heidi Alexander MP commented: “All too often, schemes to help people get into work have the same tired formula - turn up to a classroom, get guidance on your CV and interview technique and then "go find yourself a job". The Circle Collective and Circle Training couldn't be more different. Hands on experience, in a real life situation, working with people who can really help you get your first job.

“The young people who have benefited from the scheme in Lewisham seem to have had real success in getting employment afterwards. Land Securities should also be congratulated for giving them the training shop rent free”.

Paul Redden, Centre Manager at Lewisham Shopping, added: “The team and I are so thrilled to have held the Circle Collective exhibition and graduation ceremony. It’s been fantastic to see those who have been through the programme go on to graduate and I’m looking forward to hearing about their first jobs!

Circle Collective do so much great work within the local community so we’re so pleased to have had them with us and look forward to our continued work together.”

Circle Collective has an innovative approach to training for unemployed young people, providing a real working environment where they can learn about customer service and gain crucial work experience. Since its inception, Circle Collective have helped more than 200 young people into work and are looking at expanding to support even more young people.

Following the store’s successful two month pilot, which saw the company provide more than 100 work experience shifts for unemployed young people in the Lewisham area, Lewisham Shopping will continue to host the pop-up shop until July 2017. Over the coming months, Circle Collective are hoping to reach more young people in Lewisham and expand the training that they provide through the Lewisham store.

Any volunteers interested in supporting the fantastic work undertaken by Circle Collective can visit www.circlecollective.org, where you can also shop the independent designer collections stocked by the store.

Lewisham Shopping Centre has 65 shops covering the best of high street names. For more information please visit www.lewishamshopping.co.uk.

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