TWENTY NINE pupils from Arden Academy in Knowle are set to experience an insight into the world of retail this month as Touchwood Shopping Centre celebrates its 15th anniversary.
The unique student challenge will commence on the week starting Monday (June 20) with sixth form students receiving a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in the busy shopping and leisure destination.
Students will be placed into groups and each receive an apprentice-style task to design and plan their very own Touchwood event to tie in with the upcoming anniversary.
Taking place over a five day period, ‘Touchwood Challenge’ will encourage the students to channel their inner creativity and give them the chance to shadow a variety of Touchwood team members.
Each group will also be assigned a Touchwood mentor for additional support and guidance during the work experience week.
At the end of the week, students will present their 15th anniversary event ideas to a panel of judges – the winning pitch will be brought to life by the Touchwood team in September.
Andrew Cole, general manager for Touchwood, said: “School leavers represent the future of the retail and leisure industry, both in terms of potentially becoming the next generation work force and as an important current and prospective customer base.
“We feel it’s important for us to listen to their thoughts and opinions on the role of retail destinations in keeping shopping special in the future.”
“We are very excited to be hosting the ‘Touchwood Challenge’ and we are sure it will deliver inspiring learnings on both sides.”
Martin Murphy, principal at Arden School, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in such an exciting and innovative project.
“We have no doubt the experience will not only help to nurture the skills of our students, but that it will also provide them with a real insight into working within the retail industry.
“I am sure they will also give Touchwood some very interesting ideas.”
“We look forward to hearing the students’ thoughts following the project.”
Follow @TouchwoodTweets for further information about ‘Touchwood Challenge’.
