Popeyes UK is to launch a new apprenticeship programme and will be taking part in the UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme as it looks to bolster its 3,500-strong team.
The changes, which form part of the newly launched ‘Popeyes University’, represent the fast food chain’s new approach to learning and development.
At its core will be the ‘Louisiana Ladder’ – a structured development pathway to support colleagues to progress from entry-level roles to operations manager careers.
As part of the launch, Popeyes is rolling out ‘Brass Roots’, a new apprenticeship programme that offers nationally recognised Level 3 and Level 4 hospitality qualifications. The chicken QSR brand is committed to taking on 25 apprentices through 2026, six of which are already on board.
For the first time, Popeyes will also be taking part in the UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme. Taking place between July and September 2026, this will see the business offer employment opportunities to prepare individuals for future employment.
Each participant will undertake a one-week, paid pre-employment training course, followed by a five-week paid work placement to gain experience in a real work environment.
“We’re incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at Popeyes, which has been recognised through awards such as The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and the World’s Happiest Workplaces list,” said Popeyes UK chief people officer Matt Hudson.
“Popeyes University is the next step in that journey. It’s about giving our ‘joy creators’ clear pathways to grow, develop new skills and build long-term careers with us. As we continue to expand, creating opportunities for our people and developing the next generation of leaders will remain a key focus for the business.”
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