Loblaw Earns Top Employer for Young People Award for the fourth consecutive year

BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw), one of Canada's largest private sector employers, has been recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People of 2013 by Mediacorp for the fourth consecutive year. The only grocery retailer to earn this distinction this year, the honour recognizes Loblaw's commitment to the recruitment, development and promotion of young talented graduates.

"We strive to recruit the most talented graduates from across the country and to support and nurture their development throughout their careers at Loblaw," says Judy McCrie, executive vice president, Human Resources and Labour Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We are committed to set each of them up for long-term success by providing them with a positive work environment and unique learning and growth opportunities."

Loblaw's ability to attract and retain young workers helped make it stand out from more than 3,250 nominations. Companies are evaluated based on criteria such as work atmosphere and physical workplace, vacation time, opportunities to develop talents and advance in an organization, tuition reimbursement programs and leadership courses, to name a few.

"Being a "foodie", I wanted to find an industry for which I was passionate about - the food industry was a natural fit. I started my career here at Loblaw in the first intake of the grad@loblaw program in 2009. The Grad program was an excellent way to get started into the company; gave me an opportunity to spend six months working in a store - which was absolutely critical to my role today," said Gregory Hilborn, senior category manager,  Discount Division, Loblaw Companies Limited.

The grad@loblaw program is a permanent full-time development program that lets new grads enjoy a wide range of learning experiences as they rotate through different areas of our business. Since 2009, Loblaw has hired over 400 young employees through the program. Loblaw is accepting applications for the Spring 2014 program now until October 4, 2013. For more information or to apply please visit; www.loblawgrad.ca.

There are a number of other opportunities for young people to start their careers at the Company. Loblaw is also a certified chartered accountant (CA) training organization and actively engages in pharmacy grad recruitment, internships, and placement within Loblaw banners stores.

Loblaw banner store locations also directly hire students anytime throughout the year, and there are usually a number of new grad and entry-level jobs reserved for students during the summer.

Some of the key factors that helped Loblaw earn its place as one of Canada's Top Employers of Young People of 2013:

Commitment - Loblaw is committed to recruiting the most talented graduates from across Canada based on a combination of their academic results, community service and passion for serving customers.  From stores to distribution centres and head office, Loblaw recognizes that young people bring enthusiasm, innovation and progressive thinking to the work environment.

Dedication to Learning & Growth - Loblaw encourages ongoing career development through online and in-house training programs, tuition assistance, and support for professional designations. Loblaw also offers post-secondary scholarships for colleagues and their eligible family members. 

School Partnerships - Loblaw recruitment teams partner with a number of post-secondary schools, and alumni programs across the country to ensure that part-time and full-time opportunities within the business are visible to students.

To find more information about Loblaw careers, please visit loblaw.ca/careers.

About Loblaw Companies Limited 
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.

SOURCE: Loblaw Companies Limited

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