Pret A Manger Launches New Apprenticeship Programme To Find Its Future Leaders

Pret is offering apprentices the chance to complete an undergraduate degree for the first time

This week, Pret A Manger is announcing the launch of a new apprenticeship programme, offering candidates the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University for the first time, fully funded by Pret.

A real alternative to traditional education routes, the Pret Apprenticeship provides young people with fantastic education and training, and opportunities to develop personally and professionally, growing in confidence in the workplace and gaining skills which transfer to any business.

The Pret Apprenticeship

Pret loves progression. 80% of Managers started as Team Members. Within four years of starting the Pret Apprenticeship, apprentices could be running their own Pret shop and team.

Apprentices spend time in shops and at the Pret Academy, learning practical and business management skills. Although there are many levels, candidates can take breaks between stages after completing their first year.

1. GROW… as a Team Member: Apprentices graduate with a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard after one year, having worked in a shop, met suppliers, attended industry events and learnt about key strategic areas for the company, such as Pret’s Global Plastic Pledge. Duration: 1 year + final assessment
2. EVOLVE… as a Leader: Apprentices will work as a leader in shops to gain a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, working towards becoming an Assistant Manager or General Manager, managing large teams in shops. Duration: 1 year + final assessment
3. EXCEL… as a Manager: The final phase is a flexible two to four-year programme to become a Manager of their own Pret shop and achieve Level 4 and 5 Apprenticeship Standard. At this stage, apprentices have the opportunity to complete a BA Business Management Undergraduate Degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, building the skills to become leaders of the future. Duration: 2 – 4 years Hospitality Management Level 4 Apprenticeship, Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship and BA Business Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Andrea Wareham, Director of People at Pret, comments:

“We are delighted to launch a new apprenticeship programme which focuses on building management skills, helping those involved to grow their careers and take advantage of the many opportunities we offer to become business leaders of the future. As well as gaining a lot of knowledge, our apprentices will become part of a community, making new friends in a supportive and fun environment.”

Undergraduate degree

A BA in Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, is accredited by both the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE), and recognised by the professional world, will see apprentices accelerate their management skills by learning the principles of business, how to solve problems and develop commercial awareness through a degree that is accredited and recognised by the professional world. 

How to apply

Pret is more interested in qualities than qualifications (no exam results are needed in order to apply) and it’s open to those who are 16+. There are 120 places available: applications open today (2^nd July) and close on 30^th September 2018. 

The bespoke programme has been created for Pret in partnership with Lifetime Training, one of the UK’s top apprenticeship training providers.

Pret’s Big Experience Week

Today is the first day of Pret’s Big Experience Week for 500 16-18 year olds in shops up and down the country. The paid work experience placement offers students a chance to spend a week exploring a career in hospitality, building confidence, and meeting Team Members and Managers in Pret shop.

Those in London will also spend some time in Pret’s Support Centre. Young people participating in Pret’s Big Experience Week will have the chance to be fast-tracked through the application process for the Pret Apprenticeship.

The Pret Apprenticeship – The Brilliant Benefits

• Start your career with a brilliant team to support you every step of the way
• Receive nationally recognised apprenticeship training whilst in your permanent role, with a starting salary of £14,500-£15,000 per year, plus excellent benefits (a weekly Mystery Shopper bonus, free food on shifts, 50% off Pret food when not on shift and help with travel costs)
• Become an expert, providing the ‘best in class’ customer service recognised throughout the sector
• Grow your confidence and life-skills on our enhanced programme that includes five special away days, seeing you explore coffee roasteries and getting involved in sustainability and digital projects
• Be part of a community of apprentices, all supporting each other and having fun!

About Pret A Manger: Opened in London in 1986, Pret’s sandwiches, salads and wraps are handmade fresh each day in every shop’s on-site kitchen using carefully sourced ingredients. The food doesn’t have a ‘sell-by’ date; Pret offers unsold food to charity at the end of the day. Pret currently has approximately 500 shops in nine countries.