Starbucks has launched a new recruitment strategy in which it will favour applicants who want to volunteer in the community, as well as aiming to improve customer service by increasing investment in skills and cutting staff turnover.

The new skills and training strategy sees Starbucks commit to providing:

• The chance to earn NVQ qualifications by working with the National Employer Service to offer staff the opportunity to complete a range of NVQ qualifications, starting with its shift supervisors.
  
  
• Management training – district managers and other business leaders can take MBA-style development programmes at Ashridge Business School.   
• Funding for personal development through the setting up of a Partner Fund, so staff can apply to for personal projects like volunteering or learning new skills.
• ‘Best Barista’ recruitment – store managers will be trained to recruit baristas [people who serve specialist coffee] who are committed to community work and volunteering.  
   

As part of the new strategy, Starbucks has also launched a new careers microsite. Visit http://careers.starbucks.co.uk for more information.