Some 150 new placements have been made available on Sainsbury’s trainee manager scheme.
The fast-track, year-long programme provides training for managers of the future, with a starting salary of £18,000, Sainsbury’s said.
Those on the scheme learn how to run a department. They are mentored by store managers and attend training courses to develop their customer service, commercial and management skills.
“The scheme has been incredibly popular as it puts ambitious, hard-working people on a footing for a rewarding career in retail - one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK”
Angie Risley, Sainsbury’s
Last year, a record 3,500 people applied for the 150 places available. More than 500 managers have graduated through the scheme since it launched in 2011.
“We know there are more young people choosing to go straight into work rather than further education, which is why we run programmes such as our trainee manager scheme to equip candidates with practical skills to oversee large teams and run one of our busy stores,” said Sainsbury’s head of group HR Angie Risley.
“The scheme has been incredibly popular as it puts ambitious, hard-working people on a footing for a rewarding career in retail - one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK. The opportunity for progression is pretty much unrivalled and our young managers prove that experience and initiative can be just as valuable as a degree,” she added.
Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills, added: “As students receive their A-level results it is a great time to highlight the different opportunities available to them. I am delighted that Sainsbury’s is supporting even more young people to gain the skills and experience that are vital in building a successful and rewarding career.”
Case study:
Louise Norman, 20, started on the scheme at the Badger Farm store, near Winchester, last year after finishing her A-levels. Louise left college with three A-levels in English literature, law and media studies as well as an AS level in psychology:
“I started at Sainsbury’s part-time while I was studying for my A-levels. It really suited me because I could earn money while I was at college, but I also enjoyed working with the team in a busy environment.
“I left college with three A-levels in English literature, law and media studies as well as an AS level in psychology. I’m an ambitious person, so I knew I wanted a good job straight away but one where I could also use my people skills. I was interested in the trainee manager scheme so I decided to apply and give it a go. After an interview and passing various assessments, I was accepted on the year-long scheme and I haven’t looked back.
“As a trainee manager, I’m at the heart of running a busy store and all that entails – so managing stock levels, making sure we have the right resources, monitoring our budgets and targets but most of all making sure our customers are happy. The mix of training and practical work is great and I’ve got some brilliant mentors to work with, including other female store managers.
“Qualifications are often not enough on their own and I think employers want to see that you can work hard and use your initiative. I would advise anyone who likes working with people in a busy environment to consider applying. We all need to start somewhere and if you work for a good company like Sainsbury’s that spots talent and wants hard working people to succeed, then you’re on the right track.”
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