Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a major new initiative to create 1,000 paid traineeships for young people aged 16 to 24, offering a vital boost to jobseekers struggling to enter the workforce. The High Street retailer will roll out the placements across the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months, as concerns grow over the rising number of young people classified as not in employment, education, or training (Neet).
'Not Just Any Career' Programme
Dubbed 'Not Just Any Career', the scheme aims to provide hands-on experience and training in retail management, confidence building, and workplace skills. Successful candidates will undertake six months of paid training, followed by further development opportunities and the potential for full-time positions. Crucially, a university degree is not required, opening doors for those without higher education qualifications.
The announcement comes amid a deeply troubling backdrop for Britain's younger workforce. Official statistics show that more than one million young people are currently Neet — the highest level in over 12 years, equating to roughly one in eight young people. A recent government-backed review warned that this figure could rise to one in six within five years without meaningful intervention.
Addressing the 'Lost Generation'
Former Labour minister Alan Milburn, who is leading the review into youth employment, has raised the alarm over a potential 'lost generation' unless more employers create opportunities. M&S's initiative is seen as a substantial show of faith in young workers at a time when many employers are reducing entry-level recruitment, and school leavers report submitting hundreds of applications without success.
Thinus Keeve, retail director at M&S, said the retailer wanted more young people to view retail as a long-term career rather than a stop-gap job. '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,' he said. He added that the scheme was designed to open doors for the next generation and help talented young people thrive.
Expanding Existing Programmes
The new traineeship builds on M&S's current employability programmes. Through its Marks & Start partnership with The King's Trust, the retailer has already helped thousands of young people enter employment, with more than 80% of participants who complete placements subsequently securing employment contracts with the company.
The programme launches for applications next month and will run alongside the retailer's graduate scheme and broader youth employment initiatives. This move is expected to provide a significant boost for young jobseekers across the country.
