A major supermarket chain has pledged to create 1,000 apprenticeships for young people.
Morrisons aims to offer the opportunities to 18 to 24-year-olds not currently in education, employment, or training, known as NEETs, by 2030 as part of its new Fresh Start Programme.
It was estimated that around 957,000 in the UK between the ages of 16 and 24 from October to December 2025 were NEET.
The two-year scheme, announced on August 20, will offer a fully funded qualification and a pathway into leadership roles.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Eshuns | Family life Lifestyle Fashion (@theeshuns)
A post shared by The Eshuns | Family life Lifestyle Fashion (@theeshuns)
Morrisons introducing 1,000 apprenticeships for NEETs
Jodie Keating, group people director at Morrisons, said: “There are more than a million young people across the UK who are not currently in education, employment or training.
“This is a major issue for the country and one that businesses across our industry need to work together to address.”
Participants will begin with 13 weeks of work in a Morrisons store before moving on to a 12-month apprenticeship in areas such as butchery, fishmongery, bakery, or café roles.
The final stage of the programme includes a six-month placement at the Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Ms Keating said: “At Morrisons, we want to play our part by providing proper jobs that give young people the opportunity to earn, learn and build lasting careers.
“Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme will combine real, hands-on experience with a fully funded qualification, for example in craft skills as butchers, bakers and fishmongers.”
The company believes the scheme will help preserve traditional skills while supporting the Government’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment.
Participants will also be offered a clear route into leadership roles across the business, including stores, logistics, manufacturing and central operations.
The announcement comes after reports that Morrisons cut more than 4,000 jobs in the past year.
Ms Keating said: “This initiative is part of Morrisons’ ongoing commitment to building skills, talent and supporting the next generation of leaders in our business.”
The programme supports the Government’s goal of reducing the number of NEETs and is part of wider industry efforts to tackle youth unemployment.
Do you think Morrisons offering apprenticeships is a good idea? Let us know in the comments.