National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This week is National Apprenticeship Week. At the British Retail Consortium, we’re proud of the work our members do when it comes to apprenticeships, helping people of all ages, from different backgrounds to learn, develop and empower their careers. Take a look below at some of the ways in which retailers are using their Levy funds to upskill their workforce.
The retailers are
Amazon
Mamadou grew up in Portugal, where he pursued his dream of playing professional football. He was presented the opportunity to transfer to Brighton, where he played at academy level for a year. After leaving Brighton, Mamadou spent some time in Switzerland, Portugal and France looking for more football opportunities, but was unsuccessful.
He moved back to the UK in 2019 to coach football and started working at Amazon to supplement his income. When the pandemic hit, Mamadou had to give up football coaching and shifted his focus to his career at Amazon.
Since then, Mamadou has worked at Amazon fulfilment centres in Dartford, Wakefield and now Stockton-on-Tees.
“It’s been great! Usually if you go to university, you study something specific without having the opportunity to put it into practice straight away. The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is designed in such a way that I practice what I am learning day-to-day.”
ASDA
"Whist doing my apprenticeship I’ve achieved my C+E driving licence, Level 2 English and Maths on paper. What I have achieved personally is self-worth, self-appreciation and for once I’m proud of myself for turning a farfetched dream into a reality.
"When I was at school I struggled academically, so my grades were never fantastic. Whist learning English and Math with Victoria and Sue from TRS, I surprised myself. They broke things down to a process that I could understand and then built on that to achieve my level 2 goals. The support I was given showed they believed in me before I believed in myself.
"My apprenticeship hasn’t just helped me to achieve a HGV driving license, it’s given me the additional knowledge to become a professional driver. This in turn will help Asda to be able to have trust and confidence in my work, being able to expand the stores that we are delivering to.
"Many colleagues from both warehouse and transport have enjoyed following and supporting my apprenticeship journey. The current drivers have been encouraging and positive throughout, which gives me a sense of pride. Warehouse colleagues can see an older, female, with a young family to support, still be able to achieve this goal, so they are proud, intrigued, and curious when the next application will be.
"Throughout the process I’ve had many challenges, like you do when potentially changing career after 15 years. Driving hours being one, and not having a set finish time was a big one, or so I thought, but after sitting down as a family we have found hours that will suit my mothering lifestyle.
"English and Maths were another mental challenge but I overcame them with the positivity of my mentors.
"The support from TRS and Asda has been fantastic. They have made what I thought was impossible- possible. I have the solid foundations to be a professional driver."
Boots
"This was my first venture into Higher Education. I left school after completing A levels and started to work in the financial and insurance industry. I had a career change and moved in to supply and distribution. I am a successful, highly motivated, experienced systems control manager for Boots. I leads, support, develop and empower a team of control, P.I and planning managers who ensure customer order fulfilment and KPI’s are achieved. Systems and planning lead for all Boots.com fulfilment channels to ensure balance of flows to fulfilment centres and customer requirements are achieved at the most efficient cost to serve fulfilment options.
"I applied for DMDA, as I always wanted to complete a degree to help my professional career with the aim to develop knowledge of digital marketing and help bring functions to work together. The apprenticeship enables me to educate and develop in areas outside of supply chain and help with networking across the Boots business. My target was to highlight supply chain opportunities that can support and compliment marketing and commercial activities to increase Boots.com revenue and profit. To work closely with marketing, commercial and finance leads with my aspiration to be a well-known senior leader, collate functions goals and enable quicker decisions. Aim to showcase continued development opportunities in Boots and be a role model.
"I developed understanding and theoretical knowledge of digital marketing as well as developing personal skills and professional management skills. This includes confidence, communication, presentation skills, performance management, management skills and understanding theories, and people skills."
Costa Coffee
Katie began her journey with Costa Coffee as a Barista while pursuing her degree. Today, she is a proud alumna of our Marketing Graduate Programme. With a strong passion for data and analytics, Katie honed her skills through a Level 4 Apprenticeship, deepening her expertise in data analysis and application. Her time on the programme allowed her to bring these skills to life across various rotations, including Consumer Analytics and Revenue Growth Management. Through her dedication and hands-on experience, Katie has demonstrated her ability to translate data into actionable insights, making a meaningful impact in each role she’s taken on. Her journey reflects her commitment to growth and innovation, embodying the spirit of Costa Coffee’s values.
Dreams
"I've been at Dreams for over 12 years, working across roles in retail, IT and customer service. Currently, as Insight Manager, I lead a team focused on improving data reporting and customer experience. Embracing Dreams' culture of continuous learning, I researched opportunities to develop my skills, and after taking this opportunity to the business, I began a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship that combines real-world application with theoretical education in tools like Power BI and Python.
"As a mature student, balancing full-time work, study and personal responsibilities can be tricky and required discipline and focus to achieve success. It's been rewarding to apply my learnings directly to projects in my role and drive tangible differences to the business. So, for anyone considering an apprenticeship- at any stage of their life - my advice would be stay disciplined, motivated and remember it's a fantastic way to grow professionally and personally.
"Balancing work, study and life isn't easy- but it's never too late to grow."
JD Sports
We’d like to showcase an example of one of our Retail Store Managers who is currently enrolled on the Community Health & Wellbeing Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship, being delivered by COPA. The Health and Wellbeing apprenticeship supports JD Group employees by promoting health, preventing illness, and enhancing work-life balance. It offers resources on mental health, stress management, and physical wellness, aiming to reduce absenteeism and boost engagement. Colleagues gain skills in communication, behaviour change, and collaboration, contributing to professional growth and harnessing diversity and inclusion. We currently have 14 Apprentices on the first cohort, which started in January 2024, who all work across our Retail and Distribution functions and were already part of our internal Wellbeing Champions Network.
Retail Manager Monique Dunn, currently enrolled, shares, "The Health and Wellbeing apprenticeship has greatly boosted my confidence and provided significant support in my role. I’m now more aware of when a colleague might need help and I feel better equipped to offer guidance to prevent issues from escalating. The programme has allowed me to apply what I've learned in real-world situations. Additionally, the learning provider has been flexible, adapting the course to meet my needs when required."
We are very pleased with how the first cohort is progressing and find that it benefits both employees and the business, supporting those focused-on colleague wellbeing.
KFC
KFC created a pre-employability training programme for young people called Hatch in 2022 to provide the hard and soft skills needed to apply to, secure, and succeed in jobs. These skills are often not taught in schools but have a huge influence on the opportunities available to young people.
Hatch is a free, 8-week employability programme for young people aged 16-24, which provides paid work experience, workshops, training, and a guaranteed interview for a role at KFC. Since launching, Hatch has helped over 1,000 young people across Greater Manchester, the Northwest, the Midlands, the East of England, and Scotland.
However, businesses are currently limited in how they can invest in pre-employment training, as it is not supported within the Apprenticeship Levy. Reforms in the Skills and Growth Levy, alongside the work of Skills England, could ensure that pre-employment training is included as part of the approved courses within the scope of the expanded levy.
Mamas & Papas
"Don't think it's too late to get qualified, it's been 25 years since I was in formal education of any kind, and the apprenticeship has been a great way to improve my skills and get that formal qualification, learning on the job with real life examples and experiences."
McDonald's
At McDonald’s, our annual School Leaver Degree Apprenticeship scheme offers a fast-track to management in just five years. This unique programme combines earning a salary with achieving a Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor qualification and a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship. Apprentices gain invaluable on-the-job skills while enjoying university life, with all tools, training, and support provided by McDonald’s to shape future leaders.
Open to both employees and external applicants, this opportunity allows young people to earn a degree without the burden of student debt. Aidan Lancaster is a shining example. Despite challenges with dyslexia, Aidan thrived in the programme, earning a degree through practical learning and on-the-job training. By 25 years old, he owns his own home and has excelled in his career, progressing to manager in our restaurants before transitioning onto work in Head Office with McDonald’s Education, Learning and Development Team.
Next
"I started working for next in February 2021, I started off as an Operative whilst also doing an Apprenticeship through Lifetime Training. The Apprenticeship was the L2 Warehouse Operative program. Within the first 9 months of me being an Operative I was being trained in different areas that would help them contribute towards me knowing more about how the company works.
"With the course I had 2 hours each week when in work to do my apprenticeship. In this time I would go through my assignments or I would be learning about all different ways all warehouses work. The Apprenticeship helped me gain knowledge of how the warehouse worked and provided me with more information that other new starts would know. This helped me progress to become a Team Coach.
"This is where I would train new starters and operatives that would be needing training elsewhere within the Company. As I was a Team Coach I had the chance to help other people on the Apprenticeship such as getting them prepared for the exam.
"After being with the company for just 3 and a half years I am now a Trainee Team Manager."
Pret A Manger
"Having worked in retail over the last 14 years, I can say it is never easy, and being a single mom to two boys under 10 has its own challenges. I had a goal to complete a degree in Business Management but due to life events I was never able to fulfil this. I began my apprenticeship as a General Manager initially and thanks to Pret’s apprenticeship program, I’m now at the end of my second apprenticeship – completing a BA in Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan, and it’s been a life-changing experience. I have been promoted during my apprenticeship to Group Manager and I believe the program has helped me believe in myself, step out of my comfort zone, and prove that moving countries, being a single parent, working full time doesn’t limit what you can achieve if you set your mind to it.
"Along the way, I’ve encouraged and supported many of my colleagues to start their own apprenticeship journeys, knowing how much it can help build confidence and skills as it did for me. Pret provided this opportunity, and with the right determination and support I received throughout my apprenticeships, from my coaches, managers and mentors, anything is possible."
Primark
At Primark, we’re proud to offer an outstanding apprenticeship programme that empowers our retail teams to thrive. With 15 tailored programmes, we provide opportunities for colleagues at every level—from Retail Assistants to Area Managers—alongside specialist roles in areas such as Operations and Health & Safety.
What truly sets us apart is seeing so many of our dedicated, long-serving colleagues embrace apprenticeships to enhance their skills, grow in their roles, and progress their careers. This commitment reflects the very heart of our values and behaviours.
We’re especially proud that over 80% of our learners are aged 24 or older, with 19% undertaking Level 5 or higher apprenticeships, including many from our talented Store Manager community. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our teams and our business.
Seasalt
Creative Cornish clothing brand Seasalt is supporting women’s career development in retail roles by making the most of their potential in line with both underrepresentation and business need.
One store manager is undertaking a Data Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship (with technology being an area where women are vastly underrepresented), while another store manager is enrolling onto the Operations Manager - Women in Leadership L5 Apprenticeship, expanding their opportunity for long-term career growth.
Seasalt’s Inclusion Strategy aims to both drive social mobility to support long-term career opportunity, and build development programmes and progression opportunities for women to provide inclusive pathways to leadership. The retailer runs early careers apprenticeship cohorts biennially (every two years) and regularly enrols current employees onto apprenticeships at a range of levels and across various disciplines to support their development. Its employee population stands at 82% women.
Specsavers
Richard Hodgson is the first to complete the Apprentice Domiciliary Optical Assistant program - with distinction, too!
After a decade in another field, he was inspired by his sister-in-law's positive experience at Specsavers and joined the home visits team as an administrator, scheduling eye tests and organising clinics. However, his ultimate goal was to visit customers at home.
At 45, Richard's director encouraged him to pursue the Domiciliary Optical Assistant apprenticeship. Despite initial reservations about his age, he embraced the opportunity. Balancing admin duties and studies, he received strong support from his director, colleagues, and apprenticeship coaches.
Richard made good use of the digital learning modules, online classrooms, and job shadowing to aid his learning. Now, he visits customers in their own homes, providing essential eye care. He enjoys helping those who might not otherwise access such services and proves that age is no barrier when it comes to apprenticeships.
Waitrose
"Coming from a 'later in age life stage', I'm a firm believer that investing in your personal and professional growth can be done at any time. Completing the Coaching Professional L5 Apprenticeship was a transformative experience that continued and further reignited my passion for learning and inspired me to challenge myself further by enrolling in the Senior Leader L7 Apprenticeship. These programmes have not only enhanced my leadership and coaching skills but have also enabled me to continue building my capabilities and create meaningful impact in the Partnership."
Impact
"Completing the Coaching Apprenticeship allowed me to qualify as a coach and join the Partnership Coaching Directory, where I now support Partners across the business.
"A highlight of this journey was a strengthening of my own resilience - producing a detailed coaching portfolio (the practical demo of applying the skills I'd learnt) for my qualification interview and, whilst going through an organisational restructure, I achieved a distinction. My experience demonstrates the value of doing lifelong learning and the potential of older apprentices."
Wickes
Tony Stonebridge, Lead Subject Matter Expert for Fulfillment, began his apprenticeship at 43-years-old and is proof that at Wickes, the sky’s the limit.
"I’d been in management a long time, but in 2019 the timing felt right to begin higher education. I’d taken on the role of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and part of that role was governing and supporting apprentices on site. I felt I should walk in their shoes.
"My position was above the apprenticeship level I was training for but my ambition was to do the Master of Business Administration (MBA) apprenticeship. With no existing qualifications, I had to take a step back in terms of academics, in order to move forwards in my career.
"I started the apprenticeship as the pandemic began, and had to do a Level 2 English and Maths qualification too. I’ve gone from having no qualifications to having many, including a Post-Graduate Diploma, Chartered Management Institute Accreditation, and soon I’ll begin my MBA.
"To anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship, I’d say do it. Don’t even think about it! It’s all about self-development, and there’s great return on investment for Wickes."
