Prepare to see young faces in stores as Alshaya Summer Internship Programme starts

24 Jul 2016

The internship programme launches successfully for the ninth year in a row

More than 180 Kuwaiti students last week took their first steps into the world of retail, reporting for work at stores across the country as retail operator M.H. Alshaya Co.'s annual Summer Internship Programme kicked off.

The popular programme, which is run in partnership with Kuwait's Manpower and Government Restructuring Programme (MGRP), offers young Kuwaitis five weeks of exposure to the diverse world of retail.

Now in its ninth year, the Alshaya Summer Retail Internship Programme sees Kuwaiti school and university students spend four hours a day in one of Alshaya's stores, cafes and restaurants from 17 July to 18 August. Brands involved in the programme include Starbucks, H&M, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, Jack Wills, M.A.C, Bath&Body Works and KidZania.

MGRP's supervisor of student training, Mr Tareq Alkandari, said that many students choose to work at Alshaya stores because they want to learn about retail from a leading company.

"We have worked closely with M.H. Alshaya Co. to ensure that the programme, in its ninth edition, is a great success," said Mr Alkandari. "Students join the summer training programme to learn more about retail, and Alshaya stores are usually their first choice. I am certain that the students will gain a great deal of valuable knowledge and experience in the next month."

Jassem Alhassawi, Training Manager at Alshaya Human Resources Department, said the internship provides valuable hands-on learning and development experience for young Kuwaitis wanting to explore a career in retail.

"It is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm and energy of these students," said Mr Alhassawi. "We prepare for the summer internship programme so that these young students make the best of the time they spend at our stores. We are keen to introduce our Kuwaiti youth to the retail sector and help them develop their skills by giving them the opportunity to experience retail first-hand at our stores."

During their time in-store, interns are introduced to the essential concepts of how a store is run and managed. The training includes coaching in sales, promotions, customer service, merchandising and stock management. The programme also aims to provide participants with a full understanding of the jobs and career opportunities available in the retail industry, including the qualifications, behaviours and skills necessary for a promising career in retail.

For more information about future summer programmes and other training and career opportunities at Alshaya, please contact nationalisation@alshaya.com.