City of Oxford College hosts local employers for retail careers event

Local Oxfordshire employers came together on Friday 20 May to take part in a Retail Careers Employment event, organised by City of Oxford College, to promote recent openings for jobs in the retail sector.

Representatives from John Lewis & Partners, BP, Bicester Village, Next, and Iceland were all in attendance.

Local jobseekers were welcomed into New Road Baptiste Church and were able to learn more about pursuing a career in retail, as well as discuss job vacancies with recruiters.

The employers showed great enthusiasm at being invited to attend, and the feedback following the event was highly positive.

Emma Gehrke De Rose, Talent Acquisition and Capability Lead at BP, commented: “It was lovely to represent BP at the event, and it was great to discuss the benefits of working in retail with applicants and we seemed to have some real interest.

“Retail is a fast-paced industry, and we are always looking for applicants that have a passion for customer service to come and join us,” she added.

Susan Lawson, Employer Engagement Specialist at Activate Learning, and co-organiser of the event, also shared some insight on the outcome of the day.

She said: “The retail sector is a major part of the Oxfordshire economy and job opportunities are thriving. Particularly after the effects of the pandemic, we are keen to promote the growth of this sector and help advertise the opportunities within it.”

“The types of careers within retail are incredibly varied and the Retail Careers Employment event shone a light on the vast array of key retailers we are fortunate to have within the county and the roles and vacancies they currently have available.”

Find out more about the careers support offered by Activate Learning or contact us via 0800 612 6008.