CJ Lang & Son has been recognised for its commitment to supporting and nurturing young people.
The retailer has been presented with an Outstanding Community Award from Helm, the grassroots specialist youth work provider, for spending many hours creating and implementing a training programme specifically for Helm’s young people.
Young people who go to CJ Lang are given the opportunity to work within every team at the company to give them a wide understanding of the industry and to gain lots of different experiences which are useful to them as they start seeking employment.
During the last week of their placement, young people spend time in the HR department developing their CVs and working on their interview techniques giving them invaluable skills they need as they progress into applying for jobs.
Additionally, CJ Lang and Helm have worked together to successfully secure grant funding so that all young people attending placements are offered free lunches throughout their 10-week placement.
Alan Brown, CJ Lang & Son Distribution Centre Manager, said: “We are fortunate to be able to provide young people with a work placement programme so they can gain experience and develop their skills within our logistics operation. I am delighted that several young people who went through the programme are now in full-time employment and enrolled onto our Warehouse Apprenticeship Scheme.”
CJ Lang offers a three-month work placement for young people selected for the programme, which is on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Ally Calder, Helm’s Chief Executive, said: “Helm is delighted to recognise CJ Lang for our inaugural ‘Outstanding Commitment Award.’ The training programme they have put together for our young people attending placements is exceptional and enables young people to have the opportunity to understand a range of different parts of the business, giving them a unique insight into different career paths that are available.
“We are also pleased to acknowledge that by working with CJ Lang on a grant application, all young people are offered free lunches throughout their time on placement, which is invaluable, especially during these challenging times. From everyone at Helm, I would like to recognise and thank CJ Lang for their ongoing outstanding commitment to supporting Helm.”
