Morrisons has unveiled ‘Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme’, a new fully-funded apprenticeship qualification and training programme, which aims to give young people the opportunity to build long-term careers in retail.

The move supports the Government’s agenda to reduce unemployment within 18-24 year olds (NEETs) and will see the grocer work closely with IGD, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and other businesses within the sector to offer work experience, engagement programmes within schools and other initiatives to encourage young people into employment.

Opening in Sep 2026, the scheme will combine practical, on-the-job experience with skills and leadership training over two years and will include a 13-week rotation working within Morrisons’ stores.

Aiming to develop essential retailing experience, such as teamwork, communication, hospitality and customer service, apprentices can then enrol in a 12-month programme in their chosen specialist area of retail. On completion, they then have the opportunity to progress to a place on a further six month course at the Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.

“Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme will combine real, hands-on experience with a fully funded qualification,” said Jodie Keating, Group People Director at Morrisons. “It will also provide a clear route into leadership for a new generation of Morrisons colleagues whether they want to run a store, manage a logistics depot or progress into a central business role.” 

“This is part of Morrisons ongoing commitment to building skills, talent and supporting the next generation of leaders in our business,” Keating added.

Morrisons said that in the last 12 months it had recruited over 20,000 new colleagues, with 48% aged between 16 and 24.