Marks & Spencer has announced a major new initiative to boost employment prospects for young people, offering 1,000 paid traineeships across the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months. The scheme, named 'Not Just Any Career', targets 16 to 24-year-olds and comes as official figures reveal more than one million young people are now classified as not in employment, education or training (Neet) – the highest level in over a decade.
Addressing the youth employment crisis
The announcement highlights growing concerns about a 'lost generation' of young workers. A recent government-backed review warned that without intervention, the Neet figure could rise to one in six within five years. Former Labour minister Alan Milburn, who leads the review, has urged more employers to create opportunities.
Successful applicants will receive six months of training focusing on retail management, confidence building, and practical workplace experience. No university degree is required. After training, participants can progress to further development opportunities and full-time roles.
Retail as a career, not just a stop-gap
Thinus Keeve, retail director at M&S, said: "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 added that the scheme is designed to open doors for the next generation and help talented young people thrive.
The initiative builds on M&S's existing employability programmes. Through its Marks & Start partnership with The King's Trust, the retailer has already supported thousands of young people into work, with over 80% of participants who complete placements securing employment contracts with the company.
The new traineeship programme opens for applications next month and will run alongside M&S's graduate scheme and other youth employment initiatives. This move represents a significant vote of confidence in young workers at a time when many employers are scaling back entry-level recruitment and school leavers report applying for hundreds of jobs without success.
