New jobs bonus as BHS comes to town

Six Oldham College Skills for Jobs students appointed by BHS. (from the left) Joseph Nield, Nicola Ingham, Kim Withey, Nafeesa Ashraf, Megan Brereton, Kreena Mistry.

OLDHAM’S Olympic hero Nicola White opened Oldham’s new BHS store today.

The bronze medal hockey player appeared at the 13,500ft shop, which replaces the old JJB sports store in the Spindles Shopping Centre.

The store, which sells fashion for men and women, childrenswear, furniture, electricals and accessories, has given 55 people new jobs in time for Christmas.

It also includes concessions including Dorothy Perkins and Wallis, and has a restaurant upstairs.

And six Oldham College Skills for Jobs students were among the team of retail experts welcoming shoppers today.

The students have been appointed as sales associates following the completion of a Sector Based Work Academy training course (SBWA) run at the college and selection at an open day.

Bip Mistry of the college, said: “Working with Job centre Plus and local employers to provide SBWA training courses is giving those seeking employment the stepping stones they need, as this project with BHS demonstrates.”

Darren Topp, commercial director for BHS said: “We’re delighted to open our first store in Oldham and are proud to become a part of the town.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers through the doors and providing them with an exciting retail environment and great customer service.”
Erin Heywood’s fashion special in tomorrow’s Chronicle