The Skills Store is declared open - employer support on your doorstep. L-R: Hugh Dunnachie, CEO Hillingdon Council; Councillor Mary O'Connor, Mayor of Hillingdon; Andy Davy, General Manager of The Mall Pavilions and Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College.A new ‘Skills Store’ led by Uxbridge College which offers a one-stop location for employers to get advice and information on recruitment and training has been launched in Uxbridge town centre.

The service, which is supported by Hillingdon Partners and located at 24 Market Square in The Mall Pavilions, was officially opened by The Mayor of Hillingdon Councillor Mary O’Connor on 13 September. Please click here to view pictures from the opening event.

The Skills Store aims both to support employers with their workforce needs, and help individuals develop their skills. Employers and members of the public will be able to drop in to discuss training, recruitment and employment options with specially trained advisors.

The Skills Store also provides specialist support to the retail sector as a member of the National Skills Academy for Retail.

Services on offer through The Skills Store will include:

* Training for staff, from short customised courses to longer professional qualifications

* Apprenticeships - employing either a new candidate or developing the skills of an existing employee

* Hire of an apprentice through the College’s Apprenticeship Training Agency

* Free vacancy advertising and recruitment service for permanent, temporary and seasonal positions promoted to over 5,000 Uxbridge College students of all ages and skill levels.

Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: “Enabling individuals and employers to get the support they want and need in training and employment is what Uxbridge College does best – and we are delighted to be expanding access to these opportunities through The Skills Store.

“Whether you are a small business, a large employer who is recruiting, or an individual who wants to improve your prospects in the workplace, The Skills Store is the one-stop shop for you.”

Hugh Dunnachie, Chief Executive of Hillingdon Council, said: “I am sure The Skills Store will be a terrific addition to the town, helping local employers recruit and train their workforce.

“The Skills Store provides a key element in our approach to town centre regeneration putting residents, in particular younger residents looking for retail apprenticeships, back in contact with their town centre and giving our local retailers a boost to help their businesses succeed.”

Andy Davy, General Manager of The Mall Pavilions, said: “The Skills Store is a fantastic asset to both The Mall Pavilions and area as a whole as a way of providing training and employment opportunities. It is perfectly located for Uxbridge’s retailers and businesses, as well as for shoppers who could drop in and find out more about what’s on offer. And it is such a successful concept that we are looking at rolling it out across other Mall shopping centres across the country.”

The Skills Store is funded by Uxbridge College and Hillingdon Partners. Please click here for more information.

* Opening hours will be Monday - Friday 9-5pm.