John Lewis to recruit over 100 apprentices

Department store John Lewis has announced that it is

to recruit more than 100 apprentices for its 2013/14 retail apprenticeship programme.

Now in its second year, the one-year retail scheme focuses on young people and guarantees that everyone who successfully completes their training will secure employment with the retailer. Last year the scheme offered 80 apprenticeship places and due to the success this has been increased to more than 100.

Apprentices for the retail scheme are being recruited for 25 of the retailer’s 39 shops in England, Scotland and Wales, including its flagship Oxford Street department store, and they will join the business in September.

In addition, this year’s recruitment drive is also offering IT apprenticeships aimed at training the next generation of IT and systems leaders in the business, to help develop its in-house IT skills and technology and reduce the skills gap.

IT director Paul Coby said: “We’re seeing a real skills gap in young people where IT and technology are concerned, and as a keen investor in talent we’ve recognised that this needs to be addressed as we strive to become a leading omni-channel retailer. We recognise the importance of technological innovation and the apprentices we take on will be crucial in helping us to achieve our goal.”

Laura Whyte, personnel director at John Lewis, added: “Last year’s apprentices have hit the ground running, and the programme has been a huge success for the business. It’s fantastic that we can increase the number of new recruits by 25 percent for the second year, in line with the targets we set.

“Our aim for the programme has always been to give young people a genuine alternative to university and importantly, provide them with the skills and knowledge to set them on the path for a long-term career in retail.”