Western Europe's tallest building isn't quite ready to receive its first intake of workers, at least outside the construction trade. But recruitment will soon be underway for staff to populate the Shard when it opens next year. A new scheme aims to coach locals with the vocational skills they'll need to secure the 500 service jobs that will soon be recruited for.
Three hundred of the positions will be with the five-star Shangri-La hotel, which will occupy the 35th to 51st floors. A further 100 people are needed to look after the viewing galleries on the 72nd floor, perfect if you enjoy looking down on City Hall.
120 other vacancies will bring in general facilities management staff.
Developer Irvine Sellar has just launched the Shard Southwark Vocational Programme, a £5 million initiative to help local people compete for the new jobs. Eventually, an estimated 12,000 people will work in the landmark and its neighbouring building, seen in the image to the right.
