Pictured: Jane Hughes (PPDG Employment Liaison co-ordinator), Steve Carline and Martin Manley (Store Manager Petstop Telford)

A retail giant recently opened its first UK store in Telford and turned to a local training and employment specialist to find the right people in filling its vacancies.

Petstop, who launched their megastores in the Republic of Ireland five years ago, partnered with Pertemps People Development Group(PPDG) to source and interview local job seekers prior to training for the opening at the Forge Retail Park on October 21. 

One of the company's newest employees is 40 year-old Steve Carline from Wellington, helped back to work by PPDG after a two year absence. 

"What more can I say - it's my dream job." said a delighted Steve. "I've always had an interest in animals and now I can combine that with a job.

"Unemployment is a lonely place but the help and support I received made all the difference and got me back on track. The team in Central Park raised my motivation and put me forward for vacancies so I'm really happy with the outcome."

Mr Carline was able to increase his employability skills with IT training as well as taking a number of literacy and numeracy courses. 

Providing the link with local employers is Jane Hughes who added: "Although Steve had previous experience in the construction industry it transpired he had extensive knowledge of working with reptiles, ideal for the job with Petstop. So we looked at transferring those skills into a retail role and he got the job." 

Store manager Martin Manley said the relationship it has forged with PPDG had enabled local Telford people to find work again and he hoped the partnership would flourish as business expands throughout the UK.

"Pet ownership is a serious business," he said, "We want our customers to get the best advice available so recruiting the right employees is key. I'm sure Steve will prove to be a great asset in that department." 

To learn more about PPDG in Telford call 01952 760050.

For more information about Pertemps People Development Group, please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk