John Lewis is taking on 80 apprentices in 2012, in an attempt to create a long-term sustainable route for young people to secure employment with the retailer. 

The programme, which focuses on young people, has guaranteed that all apprentices will secure employment when their training is complete.

The programme has two levels: the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, for those who have left school at the age of 16; and the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme for young people who have already completed their A-Levels. Both are one-year programmes.

The curriculum will set apprentices on a career development programme to give them the skills required to progress to John Lewis’s more senior management roles. Successful apprentices will be constantly challenged by working in a variety of positions and given significant responsibility early on.