05/09/11
By Karen Moss
Next has launched a major new apprenticeship programme, which will see the recruitment of 1,000 new employees. The ‘Next Retail Apprentice Programme’ was launched with adverts appearing across the company’s 550 stores and via a massive internet campaign.
The company hopes that this new training scheme will help challenge the stereotype of the sector being based on low skills and boost the shopping experience of Next customers. The programme has been welcomed by the government, which has committed an additional half a billion pounds to apprenticeships and training.
A thousand people will be recruited from across the country and will then start the intensive six month programme run by leading training company Pera Training. Once completed the candidates will gain a Level 2 Apprenticeship. This consists of a Level 2 Diploma in retail, a Certificate in retail knowledge and key skills, (literacy and numeracy).
Apprentices with Next will enjoy many benefits including a staff discount, uniform allowance and a successful completion bonus. The programme has been developed alongside Pera Training, who have successfully delivered apprenticeships across a range of companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and Thales.
The new programme has been supported and backed by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
If you are interested in becoming a Next Apprentice please visit: www.facebook.com/nextcareers or visit a Next store for more information.
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