Partnership Apprenticeships

We currently have 26 schemes in total and these range across many different business areas including: Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Retail, Hospitality and Textiles.

Not at all! It’s often believed that Apprenticeships are for those who have recently left school which isn’t the case. You may be looking to develop in your current role or seek a different career path altogether. Either way, our schemes offer the perfect opportunities for you to learn.

Starting your apprenticeship can feel daunting but, rest assured, we have a lot of support in place for you.

As you spend 80% of your time on the job it’s important we get the most out of your 20% learning. To do this we work alongside our carefully chosen apprenticeship providers to ensure we deliver the best possible programme for you. Some of the processes in place to support this are:

An Individual Learning Plan designed with you and your apprenticeship in mind

Regular review meetings with your apprenticeship learning advisor.

1-1 Meetings with your Manager.

Online tools and resources to use when it suits you.

Personal Development Plans for you keep track alongside other goals you may set yourself.

When we are actively recruiting, you’ll be able to see our vacancy adverts here. From there, you’ll be able to see the details of each scheme on offer at that time and start your application.

Our Apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity for our existing Partners to develop their careers. Therefore, not all of our Apprenticeship schemes are advertised externally. In this case you may like to join us in another relevant role where, once a Partner, you’ll be able to consider all of our schemes on offer.

Hear from Partner & HR Apprentice, Sophia about how about how she continues to develop her career whilst making a real impact on the business by reading her article on LinkedIn.

10-years ago, Partner & current HR Apprentice, Jennifer joined Waitrose & Partners as a part-time check-outs assistant. She is now studying for her level 5 CIPD qualification. Read about her journey so far here.

Marc Tampsett-Smith is a Partner and Transport Shift Manager at Waitrose Coulsdon DFC. He enrolled for the John Lewis Partnership Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship with Henley Business School in November 2019. Marc shared with us his experience of the programme and what his tips are for those looking to start their Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.

“I had reached a point in my career where I was struggling to find a direction and move it up a gear. This course gave me a wonderful opportunity to grow my ability to learn, my skill set as a manager and establish a better method for strategic thinking. It was my aim that starting this program would enable me to kick start my career again after having a little boy”.

Read on if you are considering enrolling for this Apprenticeship programme.

What has the number one benefit of the programme been for you?
Without a doubt this apprenticeship programme has allowed me to not rely on my instincts. Now I am far more confident in my strategy setting as I have the knowledge and skills to plan ahead and understand the impact of my decisions, not only on the operation but the impact on people and cultures.

What do you feel is your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far is that during this course I have moved roles from managing 30 partners to running a department and setting the strategy for Front Line Managers, 12 senior partners and 320 drivers. The programme has allowed me to thrive in the role and manage at a much more senior level with confidence.

How is the work-based project allowing you to utilise any new skills, knowledge and behaviours you have developed since starting the programme?
The work-based projects are giving me the opportunity to put into practice my newfound skills and knowledge. I am not generating the projects just to tick a box, but to solve problems. The apprenticeship has allowed me to network efficiently and generate projects that provide real world benefit.

What advice would you give to someone who might be nervous to take the plunge and enrol for the programme?
If you are willing to jump in with both feet and absolutely commit to the programme it will undoubtedly unlock the potential you have within.