International health and beauty retailer AS Watson Group has announced a wide-ranging set of commitments to help build a more equitable and inclusive society, pledging to offer 200,000 job opportunities for young people globally by 2030. And 25,000 of those jobs will be provided across the UK in Superdrug and Savers, equipping young people with essential skills to prepare them for a job in the retail sector.

A recent report published by the International Labour Organisation revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the global labour market, with global youth employment dropping by 8.7% during the pandemic. 

The pledge follows the work already achieved by Superdrug and Savers on their Apprenticeship Schemes, which have been running for over 15 years. The schemes take school leavers from an apprenticeship level 2 (GSCE equivalent) to level 6 (degree equivalent), with Superdrug recognised as the top Apprenticeship Employer in Retail.

Since its launch in 2007, over 4,500 people have achieved qualification and since 2017, 30% of apprenticeship graduates have stayed within the Superdrug and Saver businesses.

The Life Skills Programme has been introduced to support those effected by the pandemic, allowing them to hone skills that they may have not learnt or lost during the long lockdown periods. The business also offers functional math’s skills, up to a GCSE equivalent in some government cold spot areas to help to reduce barriers around applying for apprenticeships.

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