Tesco offers retail apprenticeships to Chesterfield school-leavers with no GCSEs

The fully-funded apprenticeship – delivered by Tesco’s partner Lifetime Training – will take a minimum of 12 months to complete.

Named the Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship, the programme includes learning activities and hands-on experience on the shop floor.

Those joining without a GCSE grade pass or equivalent in maths and English will gain these during the programme.

To support young people making the transition from education to the world of work, the programme offers a network of people to support them – including expert one-to-one pastoral support from The Prince’s Trust and a dedicated lifetime apprenticeship coach as well as support from the store team.

Emma Taylor, Tesco chief people officer said: “We’re really excited to be opening our Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship to applicants and helping young people in our communities to get on, especially in those areas where it could be harder for them to get a stronger start in life.”

Places are available to 150 young people, enabling the opportunity to gain a Level 2 National Standard in Retail and experience in all aspects of the retail industry.

The programme, which starts in September, is one of the few apprenticeship programmes that does not require applicants to have any qualifications or experience when they start.

Emma added: “Our apprenticeship is open to all young people but we’re particularly wanting to hear from school leavers who are aged 16-18 years who haven’t managed to obtain any GCSEs, as well as those with qualifications.

"We want to help passionate and flexible young people onto the work ladder and to make the first step in an exciting and rewarding career with us.

“They will work hard to develop new skills, build their confidence and learn about all aspects of retail. At the end of the programme we hope they will be ready to develop further and become a shift leader at Tesco.”

Applicants can apply for the programme HERE