The scheme that started in April ran in partnership with the Future Institute of Higher Training for Ladies and aimed to provide women wanting to work in retail with the chance to learn about the sector and develop skills supporting them in future retail career opportunities. Alshaya owns and operates the H&M brand franchise in Saudi Arabia.
With sustained growth predicted for the retail sector in the Kingdom, demand for skilled employees is set to rise and there is a shortage of local candidates. H&M’s new training scheme has helped to bridge that gap and is focused specifically on women.
The new course provides an introduction to Saudi women wishing to work in a fashion retail store, but who have little or no experience or knowledge of the sector.
Through a mix of practical and theoretical training, it aims to equip students with all the skills and experience they need to succeed.
Students study the principles of fashion retailing, including product knowledge, customer services, selling skills, store operations and visual merchandising.
In addition, they have been trained in general skills that are important in all working life, including communication skills and problem solving.
As part of the course, which was delivered in English by Arabic speaking tutors, students have also undertaken in-store work placements where they were able to put the skills they learnt into practice.
Following completion of the course, students who can successfully fulfill the necessary requirements will be supported in finding employment, both in H&M stores and in stores managed by other retail companies operating in Saudi Arabia.
Around the world, H&M has been involved for many years in projects that focus on women and education.
Its goal in supporting this training initiative is not only to increase the number of female staff within its own business, but also to increase the number of women working in the overall marketplace. H&M currently operates 17 stores in the Kingdom.