M&S launches new traineeship for 1,000 young people

Marks and Spencer has introduced a new training initiative aimed at addressing the increasing challenge of youth unemployment. Targeting young people aged between 16 and 24, the program plans to offer 1,000 training positions across the UK and Ireland within the next year and a half. This scheme is designed to support those who are currently not engaged in employment, education, or training, commonly referred to as ‘Neets’.

The launch follows a recent review highlighting that job and career prospects for young individuals entering the workforce are not expanding but, in fact, diminishing. Alan Milburn, the author of the review and a former minister, expressed concern over the situation, cautioning about the risk of a “lost generation.” The report attributes the crisis to a combination of factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the influence of smartphones, health concerns, and a tightening job market with fewer entry-level positions available.

High street shops and hospitality venues such as cafes, pubs, and restaurants traditionally serve as entry points for many young workers. M&S’s new scheme offers six months of paid training, followed by additional opportunities for participants to advance their skills and potentially progress to store management positions. Importantly, the program does not require applicants to hold a degree.

Thinus Keeve, the Director at Marks and Spencer, emphasized the company’s ambition to change perceptions of retail work: “We want more young people to see retail not just as a first job, but as a career with real opportunity, real responsibility and real progression… This programme is about opening doors for the next generation and giving talented young people the chance to thrive.” The announcement coincides with a government partnership involving industry and trade unions that will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs. This initiative aims to help businesses adapt roles while preserving pathways into employment. Additionally, the government has committed to providing AI and technology training to 400,000 students in disadvantaged schools across the UK, supporting their transition into further education, training, and work

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