Morrisons' scheme gives staff chance to go from the shop floor to top floor

MORRISONS is signing 5,500 of its staff up to a Government-funded apprenticeship scheme in a bid to boost qualifications held by its workforce.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Feb 2010, 11:59 BST
Updated 2nd Feb 2010, 11:59 BST

To coincide with the launch of National Apprenticeship Week, the Bradford-based supermarket is committing to training more staff in traditional butchery, bakery and retail skills.

The retailer plans to put more than 20,000 staff through apprenticeships over the next year. Through its Fresh Food Academy, it aims to have trained 100,000 people to QCF level two by mid-2011.

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The recently announced state-backed Apprentice Grant for Employers offers a 2,500 grant for each 16 or 17-year-old taken on.

"Every Morrisons employee is given the opportunity of developing their career so they can go from the shop floor to the top floor, and the National Apprenticeship Scheme contributes to achieving this vision," said Morrisons human resources director Norman Pickavance.

"A critical element of the quality of service we offer to our customers is the investment we make in the training and development of our people. We have always championed apprenticeships to further traditional craft skills and are pleased that so many colleagues are enthusiastically signing up through Morrisons Fresh Food Academy, for our apprenticeship schemes."

Last year Morrisons put 1,800 employees through its apprenticeship scheme.

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Business minister Pat McFadden yesterday visited a Morrisons store in London to launch the week.

Mr McFadden said: "For so many businesses to be planning to recruit in 2010 is good news for the whole economy. It shows employers increasingly recognise the benefits they get from hiring apprentices. Undertaking an apprenticeship is a great way of learning a trade and gaining vocational experience."

Elsewhere, a new recruitment drive could see more than 360 young people placed in jobs across Yorkshire and the north.

Apprenticeship provider Real Time Training Group appointed recruitment firm Equals One to find apprentice roles in administration and customer service positions at more than 1,000 businesses. The apprenticeships will last for a minimum of nine to 12 months.

Related topics:MorrisonsBradford