John Lewis is taking on 80 young apprentices in 2012 in a programme that guarantees employment for all participants when their training is complete.
The retailer says it aims to provide a market-leading offer that creates new jobs for young people, which ultimately provide sustainable career paths and a genuine alternative to university.

The programme - which follows a successful pilot across five John Lewis shops in 2011 - features two levels: the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, for those who have left school at 16, and the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme for young people who have already completed their A-Levels.

Both are one-year programmes and, if completed successfully, apprentices on the Modern scheme will be rewarded the equivalent of five GCSEs and those on the Advanced scheme, the equivalent of two additional A-levels.

The apprentices will automatically become partners and have access to all benefits and reward programmes.

The news builds on John Lewis' existing vocational qualification offer, which each year awards over 2,500 partners with qualifications that will help them progress in their career. These cover areas from retail and warehousing to leadership and barista skills.

Managing director Andy Street said John Lewis saw the latest scheme "as a primary source of recruitment for future talent". The company hopes to extend its scope by at least 25% next year and offer tailored programmes in retail and IT.