M&S Creates 1,000 UK and Ireland Traineeships for Young Job Seekers
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has initiated a new paid traineeship programme, targeting 1,000 young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months. The retail giant frames this as an attempt to combat the nation's rising youth unemployment figures.
Official statistics indicate that over a million young people are currently categorised as NEETs, representing roughly one in eight of the demographic. This figure is the highest recorded in over 12 years.
A recent review authored by former minister Alan Milburn warned that without intervention, one in six young people could be NEETs within five years, pointing to a potential 'lost generation'. The review identified a contraction in entry-level job and career opportunities, citing factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, increased smartphone use, health issues, and a general decline in available positions.
M&S stated its programme will offer six months of training, with successful participants then receiving further development to become store managers. Crucially, a university degree is not a prerequisite for eligibility.
Retail director Thinus Keeve commented on the scheme, expressing a desire for young people to view retail as a viable career path, offering 'real opportunity, real responsibility and real progression.' Keeve framed the programme as 'opening doors for the next generation' to 'thrive'.
Separately, the government announced a collaboration with industry and trade unions to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on entry-level roles. This partnership will examine how such jobs are evolving and provide businesses with guidance on redesigning roles while maintaining workforce entry points. Additionally, the government plans to deliver AI and tech training to 400,000 students in disadvantaged UK schools to aid their progression into further education, training, and employment.
Last year, Rachel Reeves, then Shadow Chancellor, committed to offering a guaranteed paid work placement for young people unemployed or out of education for 18 months or more. On Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to launch a trial of an AI assistant for jobseekers, aiming to provide 24/7 guidance on career development and job applications, envisioning it as a 'jobcentre in your pocket'.
