100 new jobs as new Parkgate electronics store opens

Best Buy, which is well known in the US, has taken over the former Homebase store at Parkgate, which closed last year.

As well as creating the new jobs, the company is backing the National Apprenticeship Service’s 100 in 100 scheme.

The initiative aims to get South Yorkshire companies to recruit 100 apprentices within 100 days.

Best Buys is working with the National Apprenticeship Service, training providers The Source and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) to train the team at the Rotherham store.

Steve Cooke, general manager of Best Buy Rotherham, said: “Working with everyone involved in this initiative is a really great way for us to nurture and support talented local people.

“Our employees will be given the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications while working, providing practical and functional skills to support them in their daily roles and future career.”

Mike Long, employer services manager at the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), said:

“We are delighted that Best Buy has committed to realising the business benefits of apprenticeships by deciding to train many of their new employees at Rotherham as apprentices.”

The new store will officially open on Friday with appearances by former X-Factor star Paije Richardson and America’s Got Talent contestant Alexis Jordan.

Pop quartet The Kixx, who have just released debut single Already Gone, will also perform during the open-air gig to mark the opening.