KENYA- Local supermarket chain Naivas has announced the graduation of its first cohort of trainees in a move meant to bridge the skills gap in the retail sector.
In 2023, Naivas committed to training prospective employees through its nine-month graduate trainee (GT) program via the Naivas Retail Academy as the retailer seeks to build and retain talent.
The company announced the graduation of 35 trainees in the program. The graduates will be immediately absorbed as Naivas employees. The supermarket chain intends to expand the program to include more trainees and graduates and revealed it plans to collaborate with learning institutions to improve the program.
Andreas Von Paleske, Naivas’ Chief of Strategy, said, “This milestone is just the beginning, and we plan to expand the program further, including partnerships with more learning institutions.”
The GT program is the company’s response to the significant skills gap in the retail sector, which creates challenges for both employers and job seekers.
According to Naivas, this skills gap stems from the historic perception of retail jobs as secondary options for job seekers or reserved for low-skilled workers. However, technological innovations in the retail market have significantly enhanced the skills requirement.
The program strives to arm fresh graduates with industry-relevant skills in the retail sector, helping them excel in various roles in the company. Naivas hopes the GT program will help cultivate its talent base, differentiating it from competitors.
Von Paleske added, “Naivas aims to attract and retain top talent in the country. Creating clear career paths for our employees is vital, which led to the establishment of the Naivas Retail Academy, with the GT program as a key component.”
Naivas reiterated the importance of having the right workforce as it pursues growth and transformation of the retail sector.
David Kimathi, Naivas’ Managing Director, said, “As a homegrown Kenyan brand, developing the next generation of leaders is crucial. This program underscores our commitment to ensuring the business’s longevity beyond its founders.”
The supermarket chain hopes other players in the retail market will also train and develop talent and improve the retail space.
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