Leading premium supermarket chain, Waitrose, teamed up with work-based training provider, First4Skills, to help young people gain new skills and knowledge and assist in developing their future careers.

As part of the National Apprenticeship Week celebrations (14th – 18th March), two of the successful Waitrose apprentices will be making a video diary with MP, Dominic Raab, and the Mayor of Elmbridge, Jan Fuller.

Apprentices Paige Rose and Jake Keywood have undertaken a Level 2 Retail apprenticeship with the supermarket chain, which they are both set to complete later this year.

First4Skills delivered training in the workplace to help develop the skills that Waitrose need both now and in the future. The company specialises in delivering innovative workforce development solutions.

In partnership with Waitrose and other retail clients, First4Skills has developed apprenticeship programmes that support transformational growth and keep pace with the demands of an ever-evolving workplace.

Speaking of her achievement at Waitrose, Paige Rose who will be meeting with the MP and Mayor said: “I am so proud of everything I have achieved during my time at Waitrose. Being able to learn the ropes of a job whilst still gaining a nationally recognised qualification has been a great opportunity for me. I’m excited to meet with the Mayor and MP and show them what I’m achieving here.”

Waitrose’s Partner Coordination Manager, Caroline Fielding said: “Recruiting apprentices to our team has helped to create a diverse workforce for our branch, by introducing a different recruitment route. It demonstrates Waitrose’s commitment to helping reduce youth unemployment, enabling us to support our local community by providing full time opportunities to young people with limited work experience.”

Sue Price, Chief Executive Officer at First4Skills said: “We’re really proud of Paige and Jake and all that they’re achieving at Waitrose in Cobham, they’re a credit to themselves, Waitrose and First4Skills. It will be a great opportunity for them to meet with their local Mayor and MP to show them what an apprenticeship entails and how it really opens doors for their future careers.”