Greggs launches apprentice scheme
Greggs has launched an apprenticeship scheme as it looks to fast-track its national expansion plans and develop the next generation of retail talent.
With headquarters in Newcastle, the company has teamed up with local training provider Gateshead College to deliver the initiative, which will see 120 apprentices in eight locations across the country trained in retail service or retail management. Around 20 apprentices will be based at sites in Tyne and Wear and County Durham, while others will work from sites in Norfolk, Bristol, London, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and the Midlands.
Selected following a competitive tender process, Gateshead College will work with Greggs to train apprentices to an industry-defined standard, which replaces traditional qualification frameworks and requires staff to demonstrate specific skills, competencies and personal attributes when carrying out their day-to-day jobs.
Greggs said the scheme has been launched to help it develop a new pipeline of skills that can support its future growth plans. These include the opening of more outlets in the South West of England and Northern Ireland.
The retail service course will aim to equip staff with knowledge of several subject areas including customer service, sales, equality and diversity, and workplace health and safety. Apprentices will also gain an in-depth insight into the Greggs business model and acquire transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and presentation and interview techniques.
Meanwhile, apprentices on the team leader course will learn additional skills in management, motivation and conflict resolution.
Roisin Currie, people and retail director at Greggs, said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Gateshead College on this exciting project, which is a great way of bringing new skills and fresh ideas into our business. This unique, collaborative approach has created a training offer that has been designed specifically to support our business goals and future growth plans.”
Founded over 75 years ago, the company now has more than 1,800 outlets, 20,000 staff and an annual turnover of almost £900 million.
