Participants achieved accredited certification in Customer Care, Selling, Health and Safety, Basic Hygiene, COSHH and Fork Lift driving as well as soft skills training in teamwork, communication, decision making, cash handling and interview skills.

The programme proved to be a great success for both the participants and IKEA, with a significant number securing employment at the Holywood Exchange store.

Course Tutor, Diane Sefton said “Pre-employment programmes, like the one for Ikea, build and boost the confidence of those taking part, while also giving participants a valuable insight into what the employer is looking for in a potential employee. We are delighted with the success of the programme and we envisage creating further opportunities to work in partnership with IKEA in the future”.