M&S Launches 1,000 Paid Training Places for Young People Amid Record NEET Levels and Shrinking Entry-Level Jobs

Marks and Spencer is launching a paid six-month training programme that will create 1,000 places in the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months for people aged 16 to 24. The scheme does not require a degree. Successful participants will receive further training to become store managers.

The retailer said the initiative is intended to address the rising number of young people not in employment, education or training. Latest official figures show more than one million young people are Neets, the highest level in more than 12 years and roughly one in eight of that age group.

A key review last month warned that one in six young people could be Neet in five years without further action.

The review cited the Covid-19 pandemic, smartphones, health issues and a sharp drop in entry-level positions as contributing factors. High Street retailers and hospitality businesses have traditionally provided many young people with their first work experience. M&S said its new traineeships are designed to turn that initial role into a longer career path.

Over the weekend the government announced a partnership with industry and trade unions to examine how artificial intelligence is changing entry-level roles. It also said 400,000 students in disadvantaged schools would receive AI and tech training. Darren Hardman, chief executive for Microsoft in the UK and Ireland, told the BBC’s Today programme that the government must focus on building “AI fluency” among the workforce.

He warned that without a skilling agenda focused on social mobility, “we do risk leaving people behind,” adding that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. Last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that young people out of work or education for 18 months would be offered a guaranteed paid work placement.