Home / Business and Economy / M&S Launches Career Ladder for Young People
M&S Launches Career Ladder for Young People
7 Jun
Summary
- 1,000 paid training places for 16-24 year olds.
- Scheme targets 'Neets', over one million in UK/Ireland.
- Offers training to become store managers, no degree needed.
Marks and Spencer is introducing a significant training program designed to combat rising youth unemployment. This new scheme will generate 1,000 paid training positions for individuals aged 16 to 24 over the next 18 months, spanning the UK and Ireland. The initiative directly addresses the concerning increase in young people classified as 'Neets' (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).
Official figures reveal that over one million young people fall into the 'Neet' category, representing the highest level in over a decade. Experts warn that this number could escalate to one in six within five years if preventative measures are not implemented. The review highlighted shrinking job opportunities for entry-level positions, a crisis attributed to various factors including the pandemic and the current economic climate.
This M&S program offers six months of comprehensive training, with successful candidates progressing to further education aimed at qualifying them as store managers. Notably, a university degree is not a prerequisite for eligibility. This move by M&S aligns with broader governmental efforts, including initiatives focused on AI's impact on entry-level roles and guaranteed work placements for long-term unemployed youth.
