Morrisons has announced the launch of its Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme, which it says will offer 1,000 young people a fully funded apprenticeship by 2030 and offer routes to management.

The programme combines practical, on-the-job experience with skills and leadership training over a two-year period, according to the company. The supermarket added that the scheme is supporting the government’s agenda to reduce unemployment among young people, and that Morrisons is working alongside the Institute of Grocery Distribution and the British Retail Consortium to aid in this goal

The scheme includes 13 weeks working in store as a Morrisons colleague, followed by a 12-month apprenticeship in their chosen specialist area of retail, including
as a skilled butcher, fishmonger or baker or hospitality cafe colleague.

After completing their apprenticeship and end-point assessment, individuals will have the opportunity to take a place on a six-month management training programme, the Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.

According to Morrison’s website, the training programme is “available to everyone, everywhere, and colleagues who meet our entry criteria and pass initial assessment can join the programme.”

The programme will offer employees an opportunity to develop careers across logistics operations, head office teams and its Myton manufacturing sites, according to the supermarket.

Jodie Keating, group people director at Morrisons said: “There are more than a million young people across the UK who are not currently in education, employment or training. This is a major issue for the country and one which businesses across our industry need to work together to address. At Morrisons, we want to play our part by providing proper jobs that give young people the opportunity to earn, learn and build lasting careers.”

Morrisons is currently on a cost-cutting drive, commencing a closure of 100 stores across the UK last month after what chief executive Rami Baitiéh called a “challenging macro environment”.

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