Last week, we hosted an exclusive webinar with Tesco’s Early Careers team to introduce their Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship programme.

Stronger Starts is a unique apprenticeship programme that doesn’t require any qualifications or experience for entry. This is just one of the reasons it stands out.

Tesco has carefully designed the Stronger Starts programme to provide applicants with exceptional benefits, including significant mental health and wellbeing support, a generous starting salary, and much more. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tesco is investing in 150 Level 2 apprenticeships across 120 locations in England.
• The programme focuses on individual potential, not previous grades or achievements.
• Apprentices earn a starting salary of £22,500+ (plus London weighting if applicable).
• No qualifications or experience are required to apply.
• Positions are suitable for applicants aged 16-18, with no upper age limit.
• All candidates receive permanent employment contracts.
• Tesco offers excellent mental health and wellbeing support for all employees and their families, including access to a virtual GP.
• Each apprentice receives a tablet device for training, which they can keep after completion.
• Apprentices will achieve a National Standard in Retail, equivalent to five GCSE passes.
• Apprentices are supported by a coach from Lifetime Training, their line manager, a trained workplace buddy, and a Prince’s Trust mentor for the first three months.
• Tesco provides £3.50 per day for lunch costs during the first four weeks.
• The recruitment process is simple, inclusive, and transparent, clearly outlining what to expect.
• Apprentices receive coaching sessions to prepare for the Discovery Centre, with additional support available for teachers, parents, and carers.
• Unsuccessful candidates receive detailed feedback on their strengths and areas for development and may be directed to other opportunities within Tesco.
• Tesco welcomes applications from individuals with additional needs, those returning to work, those with criminal convictions, and care-experienced individuals, ensuring everyone is welcome on a fully inclusive programme.

To learn more about this fantastic programme and hear top tips from the Tesco team, catch up on the webinar here.