We’ve developed a market-leading apprenticeship programme that enables Partners to learn whilst ‘on-the-job’ in the Partnership. On completion of our programmes you’ll achieve a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification, helping you lay the foundations to a successful career.
Since the announcement of a government levy was introduced in 2017, we’ve enrolled over 4,750 Partners onto one of our apprenticeship schemes. This number is ever increasing with every new cohort. In 2023 we enrolled over 700 Partners to become apprentices!
For all of our dedication to our Apprenticeship programmes, we’ve recently been listed as a Apprenticeship Top 100 Employer for 2024!
We recently brought all of our Apprentices together to celebrate their own personal successes so far and reflected on why having these opportunities are so valuable to our Partners.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we brought our Apprentices together to celebrate their achievements. Hear from our Partners about what their apprenticeship journey has meant for them and their career:
Hear from Partner & HR Apprentice, Sophia about how about how she continues to develop her career whilst making a real impact on the business by reading her article on LinkedIn.
Lucy’s StoryRead more from Lucy, who started as a part-time Partner whilst at college, take on an apprenticeship as an alternative to University working through a Level 4 Retail qualification, then later progressing onto a Level 5 leadership scheme resulting in a career change to a head office learning & development role. Read her full journey here.
Marc’s Story
Marc Tampsett-Smith is a Partner and Transport Shift Manager at Waitrose Coulsdon DFC. He enrolled for the John Lewis Partnership Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship with Henley Business School in November 2019. Marc shared with us his experience of the programme and what his tips are for those looking to start their Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
“I had reached a point in my career where I was struggling to find a direction and move it up a gear. This course gave me a wonderful opportunity to grow my ability to learn, my skill set as a manager and establish a better method for strategic thinking. It was my aim that starting this program would enable me to kick start my career again after having a little boy”.
Read on if you are considering enrolling for this Apprenticeship programme.
What has the number one benefit of the programme been for you?
Without a doubt this apprenticeship programme has allowed me to not rely on my instincts. Now I am far more confident in my strategy setting as I have the knowledge and skills to plan ahead and understand the impact of my decisions, not only on the operation but the impact on people and cultures.
What do you feel is your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far is that during this course I have moved roles from managing 30 partners to running a department and setting the strategy for Front Line Managers, 12 senior partners and 320 drivers. The programme has allowed me to thrive in the role and manage at a much more senior level with confidence.
How is the work-based project allowing you to utilise any new skills, knowledge and behaviours you have developed since starting the programme?
The work-based projects are giving me the opportunity to put into practice my newfound skills and knowledge. I am not generating the projects just to tick a box, but to solve problems. The apprenticeship has allowed me to network efficiently and generate projects that provide real world benefit.
What advice would you give to someone who might be nervous to take the plunge and enrol for the programme?
If you are willing to jump in with both feet and absolutely commit to the programme it will undoubtedly unlock the potential you have within.
Hear how 18-year Partner, Tony, decided to up-skill with a Level 7 Masters level apprenticeship, resulting in a promotion to Head of Branch. Read Tony’s Story.
The John Lewis Partnership is the UK’s largest employee owned business and parent company of our two cherished retail brands – John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners. Everything we do is powered by our unique purpose, which puts the happiness of our Partners at its core. Our Partnership Behaviours define how we work. Every one of us is committed to offering our customers quality products, great quality food and outstanding service, because for us, it’s personal .
Our friendly resourcing team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Email your questions to recruitment@partnershipservices.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
More Apprenticeship Schemes will be recruited for throughout the year. Register for job alerts so that you can be notified of the latest opportunities.
The power of democracy
As the largest employee owned business in the UK, we're very unique. But what does it all mean to be employee owned?
Learn more about how we harness the power of democracy so every Partner voice is heard.
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