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Superdrug to employ 500 people in new apprenticeship campaign

By Nithya Bose in UK Business News, posted August 22, 2023

Superdrug is to launch its "Rise Up to Level Up" campaign, hiring 500 apprentices in the coming year.

The company has plans to double that number within three years.

Backed by TV personality Timmy Mallet, the health and beauty retailer is taking proactive steps to enhance apprenticeship opportunities in the UK.

The retailer said it would help youngsters to get employed.

Around 859,000 young people in the UK are unemployed or out of education.

GCSE results expected to be lower on average in 2023 than in previous years.

There’s a growing concern that disadvantaged groups are being hit the worst.

The campaign is supported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The group demands changes to the Apprenticeship Levy.

It stresses the need to maximize its effectiveness and inclusivity by accommodating a wider range of training and assisting disadvantaged applicants.

Industry "could go even further"

BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said: “With retail transformation underway and industry jobs becoming more productive, higher-skilled and better paid, retailers have a wealth of exciting apprenticeships on offer.

“We are proud to support this ambitious scheme, which will showcase the wide range of career options within retail and grow the number of apprenticeship places, giving hundreds more young people and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds a rewarding start to their careers.

“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.

“Now is the time for government to work with businesses to build an effective apprenticeship system that ensures a steady pipeline of talent and better supports apprentices, today and in the future.”

Superdrug turned away 7,000 applicants

Amy Davies, Superdrug and Savers people director, said: “Our apprenticeship programmes are specifically designed to help, support and train every apprentice while they earn, to rapidly get where they want to in their careers, and to cultivate and nurture the next generation of leaders in retail.

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“However, the current restrictions mean there are limitations on what training we can offer and who we can accept.

“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.

“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.”

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