Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City are expanding Step Into Retail, a free employment programme designed to help local people build skills, confidence and connections in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.
Developed with INCO, a social enterprise that provides career-focused training for people at risk of long-term unemployment, Step Into Retail forms part of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s Work@ programme, which helps connect local communities to employment, training and career development opportunities across its destinations. The four-week programme combines online learning, live workshops, employability coaching and in-person experiences designed to prepare participants for careers in the sector.
Following a successful first year, the programme will return to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City this October, with places available for up to 320 participants.
The expansion follows strong demand and positive employment outcomes from the programme’s first year. In addition to the training programme, both destinations will host dedicated job fairs in October, connecting graduates, local job seekers and employers with opportunities across retail, leisure and hospitality.
In 2025:
· More than 900 people applied to take part
· 130 participants graduated from the programme
· 133 job interviews were secured through dedicated recruitment events
· 19 graduates secured employment immediately following the recruitment event
· Participants went on to secure roles with employers including Boots, AllSaints, Hobbs, Hyatt and Neal’s Yard
· 87% of participants said they felt confident applying the skills they had learned
· 90% rated the Step Into Retail experience 5/5
Alexandra Baines, Director at INCO Academy, said: “The pilot edition of Step Into Retail showed us what’s possible when belief meets a clear plan. We saw people who had previously limited opportunities walk into interviews with greater confidence, ready to work. That’s why we’re bringing “Step Into Retail” back and bringing it to even more people this year.”
Andrew Phillis, Retail Portfolio Director, UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Our London destinations are major local employers, and we’re committed to helping local people access the opportunities they create. Last year’s programme demonstrated both the strength of local talent and the impact the right support can have. By expanding Step Into Retail this year, we’re helping even more people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to take the next step in their careers.”
Offered free of charge to people aged 18 and over who are unemployed or underemployed, Step Into Retail is designed to support local residents facing barriers to employment. Alongside practical skills training, the programme provides career support, employer insight and direct access to recruitment opportunities through dedicated job fairs and the Step Into Retail Career Hub.
The 2026 programme will run from 8-23 October 2026, followed by recruitment events at Westfield London on 27 October and Westfield Stratford City on 29 October.
Applications for the “Step Into Retail” program are open now at: stepintoretail.inco-group.co
