Tesco unveils 'earn as you learn' scheme
Tesco to start new trainee scheme for 16-year-olds
Supermarket giant Tesco is unveiling a new management scheme for 16-year-olds that will see them learning vital employment skills on the job.
The initiative, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, is designed to attract talented employees who would otherwise slip through the net as they do not have the academic qualifications that recruiters often place an emphasis on, reports the Times.
David Potts, director of retail for Tesco, told the news provider: "Mainstream education is not for everyone. We want to show that there is another way for young people to progress into well-paid jobs with prospects."
It is hoped that recruits on the fast-track 16-plus scheme will reach store manager level by the age of 23 and gain a number of qualifications – equivalent to three A-levels - while on the two-year course.
They will also work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
A recent study by student-employer matchmaking service studentgems.com highlighted that many employers value relevant work experience more than qualifications when recruiting.
Some 61% of respondents said they would hire a candidate based on work history, while 41% value vocational qualifications over degrees.
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