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We're kicking off in October, 5th! Applications are open until September, 29th
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Step Into Retail
Build real skills and get job-ready - fast.
Free online training for shopping centre and retail roles.
It's not just training. It's the gateway to real employment: shopping centre visits, job fairs with genuine interviews, companies hiring, and active listings on the Career Hub during and after the programme.
Programme available in
Who Can Apply?
This programme is for you if you:
Are 18+ years old, live in the UK and not in work
Are curious, motivated and open to learning
Are able to commit to a 15-hour online course and take part in visits to Westfield shopping centres and job fairs
You want to get into the retail, hospitality or leisure world, with brands that are hiring now
What You'll Learn
Gain real-world confidence - from shopping centre foundations to in-store retail skills.
You’ll be prepared for roles across retail, leisure, hospitality, and other shopping centre positions.
Foundations for Working in Retail, leisure and hospitality
Get workplace-ready for busy, team-based environments:
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Communicate clearly and respectfully with customers and coworkers
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Show up confident, reliable and job-ready
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Follow safety and workplace standards
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Learn how entry-level roles can lead to long-term careers
Retail Skills that Employers Want
Be ready for the shop floor - and your next job interview:
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Support shoppers from welcome to checkout
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Use tills, scanners and retail tech with ease
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Handle challenges calmly and professionally
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Recommend products and support sales
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Talk confidently in interviews and at the job fair
What You’ll Get
Free online training with real shopping centre case studies
15 hours, at your own pace, designed with URW and INCO to reflect the reality of the sector.
Shopping Centre Visit
A unique experience inside the centre: you'll meet the URW and INCO teams, talk to real retailers, connect with other participants in the programme, and enjoy a backstage tour of the shopping centre's facilities.
Exclusive Job Fair for Graduates
At the end of the programme, you'll get access to a job fair reserved exclusively for Step Into Retail participants, where you can meet directly with companies that are hiring.
Real job opportunities
Access job opportunities through dedicated activities with participating retailers and via the SIR Career Hub, our new jobs platform designed exclusively for programme graduates.
Full support throughout the whole process
Help with your CV, applications and interview preparation, so you arrive at every step with confidence.
Hear from INCO Academy graduates
"This program prepared me with everything I needed to find a job and to understand the UK work environment, which greatly increased my confidence during interviews. Without this support, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to secure my new role”
Milton
"Step into retail program was a great experience that helped me gain confidence and improve my employability skills. The training gave me a better understanding of customer service, team work, and communication in retail environment. I now feel much more prepared for job opportunities and confident about starting a new career in retail”.
Maria Alexandra
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Whether it’s your first time or you’ve worked in retail before and want to build on your skills, this programme is designed to help you grow and feel confident on the job.
Yes - there’s no cost to you. All training and career support is 100% free, so you can focus on learning and getting job-ready.
The programme is hybrid and runs for around 3 weeks in total, from kick-off to your Job Fair or retailer activities (this can vary depending on your cohort's). It combines 15 hours of self-paced online learning with live online sessions - with a focus on retail and professional skills - and in-person activities, such as the Westfield backstage tour.
We’ll contact you to confirm your eligibility, share program details and help you get started.
It's our exclusive jobs platform for Step Into Retail graduates. Once you finish the programme, you'll be able to access job listings posted by partner retailers and connect directly with companies looking for profiles like yours.
You’ll get access to job opportunities - including applying directly to employers or meeting them at a graduate-only job fair - plus support with interviews and applications.
