Over 200 young Kuwaiti men and women celebrate the conclusion of their summer internship programme at Alshaya retail stores in Kuwait

M.H. Alshaya Co., one of the Middle East’s leading retailers, and Kuwait’s Manpower and Government Restructuring Programme (MGRP), a government institute that focuses on enhancing employment opportunities for Kuwaiti nationals in the private sector, celebrated the conclusion of the 2011 summer internship programme In a special ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kuwait, Mr. Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co., and Dr. Waleed Al-Wohaib, Secretary General at MGRP, presented each of the participants with special certificates recognising their contribution, and marking their successful completion of the summer internship programme.

Alshaya has created a dedicated professional training programme for the interns that provides talented young Kuwaitis with the opportunity to gain firsthand work experience and practical life in the retail sector. This year the successful graduates spent four-hour shifts every day during the month of July in retail stores across Kuwait including locations within The Avenues, Souk Sharq and Marina Mall. To many of them this was the first experience they have ever had of working with leading retail brands including H&M, PF Chang’s, Pinkberry, Bath & Body Works, Topshop, H&M and Dean & Deluca. All the participants were registered in the programme through the MGRP. At end of the 4-week summer programme, the graduates, understood the importance of customer service and of professional conduct and had also developed practical skills which will better prepare them for their future careers.

Commenting on the programme Mr. Mohammed Alshaya said: “We know that the success of Alshaya is based on the people we employ, and our summer student programme is part of an ongoing commitment to identify and develop young talent early on. I am delighted that this is our largest intake of interns to date and I congratulate everyone on their participation in the programme. My own early experiences working in a store environment showed me that retail was an exciting sector to work in. As the retail industry in the Middle East continues to grow, I hope that the young people receiving certificates today are similarly inspired to pursue opportunities in this dynamic business sector.”

Mr. Alshaya also congratulated the MGRP for its commitment to encouraging high school and university students to take summer jobs which enhance their abilities and expand their experiences. He commended them for their ongoing work to source internships from private sector companies including Alshaya. He confirmed that Alshaya will continue to work with the MGRP on future projects which create opportunities for young Kuwaitis interested in working in the private sector.

Successful graduates at the event were able to discuss their experiences with Alshaya’s HR specialists and explore full time opportunities within the company. Other young Kuwaitis interested in learning more about Alshaya’s work experience programmes or who wish to be considered for Alshaya’s graduate recruitment programme should contact the company on [email protected]