Marks & Spencer has revealed plans for a £10 million traineeship program aimed at 1,000 young people aged 16 to 24, designed to combat rising youth unemployment across the UK. The scheme, launching in September 2025, guarantees participants industry-recognized certifications and face-to-face interviews with M&S hiring managers.
The program will prioritize regions hardest hit by unemployment, including parts of the North West, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, where youth joblessness has surged by 18% since 2023. M&S executives confirmed that participants will earn the national minimum wage during the six-month placement, with no prior experience required. 'We’re not just offering work experience—we’re providing a clear path to permanent roles,' said a company spokesperson.
Key Points
- ✅ 1,000 positions available for 16–24-year-olds
- ⚡ Six-month paid placements at national minimum wage
- 💡 Guaranteed interviews and industry certifications included
Applications open on July 1, 2025, with a rolling intake to ensure flexibility for participants. M&S has partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions to identify eligible candidates, targeting those furthest from the labor market. The initiative follows criticism of major retailers for failing to address youth employment gaps, with recent data showing 1 in 5 young adults out of work in some urban areas.
| Role | Duration | Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Trainee | 6 months | National minimum wage |
| Supply Chain Trainee | 6 months | National minimum wage |
Early reactions from youth employment charities have been broadly positive. 'This is a step in the right direction,' said Sarah Whitmore, director of the Youth Employment UK charity. 'But we need more businesses to step up—youth unemployment isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a social crisis.' M&S has committed to reviewing the program’s success after 12 months, with potential expansion if uptake is strong.
💡 Pro Tip
Apply early—M&S estimates 60% of spots will fill within the first four weeks due to high demand.
In a separate move, the retailer also announced plans to open five new 'Skills Hubs' in partnership with local colleges, offering free pre-employment workshops. These hubs will focus on digital skills and customer service, aligning with the traineeship’s core competencies. The first hub launches in Manchester next month.
📋 By The Numbers
- 18% — Rise in youth unemployment in M&S target regions since 2023
- 20% — Young adults out of work in some UK urban areas
The traineeship aligns with M&S’s broader 'Plan A 2030' sustainability strategy, which includes a pledge to create 10,000 jobs for young people by the end of the decade. Industry analysts suggest the move could pressure competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury’s to bolster their own youth employment schemes. 'This is about future-proofing the workforce,' said retail analyst James Harding. 'The companies that invest now will reap the benefits in talent retention.'