Superdrug launches new apprenticeship campaign
Superdrug has launched a new campaign that strives for progress in apprenticeship employment across the UK.
Called Rise Up to Level Up, the campaign will see the health and beauty retailer employ 500 apprentices in 2023 and double the intake over the next three years.
Amy Davies, people director at Superdrug and Savers, explained: “Our apprenticeship programmes are specifically designed to help, support and train every apprentice whilst they earn, to rapidly get where they want to in their careers and to cultivate and nurture the next generation of leaders in retail. However, the current restrictions mean there are limitations on what training we can offer and who we can accept.
“Apprenticeships are such a great choice for young people as they leave school and statistics show they are needed now more than ever – so as a business that stands for equality and accessibility, we remain committed to doing what we can to increase our intake and improve our scheme.”
The campaign is fronted by TV star, one-time apprentice and business owner, Tommy Mallet, and backed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It also reinforces the BRC’s calls for change to the UK Apprenticeship Levy.
Dickinson said: ““Rise-up to Level Up shows how much value retailers place on apprenticeships and the proactive steps they’re taking to provide more opportunities for people from diverse walks of life.
“But the industry could go even further if the apprenticeship levy was more flexible, with the option to spend funds on a wider range of training which meets the industry’s skills needs.”
Davies added: “Within the last year, we have had to turn away 7,200 great applicants who have not met the strict criteria and our drop-out rates have increased to 30%, as we can’t be flexible enough with our programmes or afford the right support when apprentices are in scheme.”
Superdrug introduced its apprenticeship scheme in 2007. Since then, over 4,500 people have achieved a qualification and 30% of graduates have chosen to stay within the business.
The new campaign will focus on London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and the south coast where Superdrug has found youth unemployment is high, but apprenticeship take-up is low considering the size of its store estate.
