Marks and Spencer (M&S), which has branches across Birmingham, has announced a major initiative to create 1,000 jobs for 18 to 24-year-olds as part of a six-month training scheme in stores nationwide. This move aims to address rising youth unemployment in the UK.
Addressing the NEET Crisis
The launch follows the Labour Party-commissioned Milburn report, which revealed that nearly one million young people aged 16-24 are classified as NEETs—not in education, employment, or training. M&S hopes to provide a pathway into work for this demographic.
Leadership Insights
Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive, who started his career pushing trolleys at a supermarket aged 16, shared his personal story: “A Saturday job can change a young person’s life. I know, because it transformed mine. But when I think about the challenges facing young people today, I worry that many won’t have the same opportunity. That doesn’t need to be the case – we can do so much more to provide the opportunities, experiences, and skills to unlock their confidence and get them into good jobs.”
Thinus Keeve, M&S retail director, added: “Retail is one of the few careers where you can start young, learn fast, lead teams early and build an incredible future through hard work and ambition. It is the engine of the everyday economy and there is no better place to start than on the shopfloor. At M&S, we want more young people to see retail not just as a first job, but as a career with real opportunity, real responsibility and real progression. You do not need a degree to succeed here; you need attitude, energy, resilience and the willingness to learn. This programme is about opening doors for the next generation and giving talented young people the chance to thrive.”
Programme Details
The six-month training scheme will offer placements in M&S stores across the country, including Birmingham. Applications open on July 27, with placements made on a rolling basis throughout the year. The high street giant confirmed that 1,000 positions will be available over the next 18 months.
