Participants learn vital skills on British Land’s Customer Service Employment Programme 

Twenty-one Southwark residents have completed a free two-week training course, learning practical skills for customer-facing roles in security, leisure and retail. 

The customer service employment training programme, delivered by The Launch Group in partnership with Canada Water Connect (British Land and ELBA), aimed to give local people competitive skills to help them access job opportunities close to home, and to connect them with vacancies arising in the Canada Water development and beyond. 

Hands-on sessions included communication techniques, conflict resolution and managing interactions with customers from all backgrounds. Industry-specific modules looked at maintaining security in public spaces, delivering memorable service in the leisure sector and answering customers’ questions on finance in a retail setting. 

Michael, one of the 19 who underwent the training, said: ““This programme really inspired and helped give everyone hope that we can achieve and go on to have great careers.”  

Carlos, another participant, added: “I don’t just want to have a job, I want to branch into management and help people like this course helped me.”    

Following the course, six participants have already been offered positions (subject to some further checks). At the time of writing several others were interviewing or applying for retail and leisure positions locally.  

Many more roles in various sectors will become available as the Canada Water development progresses. To register your interest and find out more about upcoming jobs, including apprenticeships, sign up to our mailing list by emailing team@canadawater.co.uk.  

You can also keep an eye on www.canadawater.co.uk/jobs and training, canadawater.co.uk/connect and noticeboards around the site.