Farmfoods opens up 63 positions for full-time apprentices

The Farmfoods apprentices will attend retail seminars

Farmfoods has launched an apprenticeship scheme to help young people get on the career ladder.

The frozen foods discounter is advertising for retail apprenticeship candidates on its website. It has 63 positions available nationally.

The ad says it is searching for “committed, highly motivated and, above all else, passionate people who have the drive and ambition to succeed”. The positions are full-time and fully paid, and also give candidates the opportunity to earn a Retail Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification.

“We want our apprentices to be the very best and as part of our investment in you, your training involves attending a monthly retail seminar at one of a number of specially selected colleges,” the ad says.

One of the colleges is Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy, in Cheshire, which is supporting the retailer in recruiting apprentices for its stores in Southport, Kirkby, St Helens, Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, Mold, Saltney, Winsford and Congleton. It is also working with Lifeskills to recruit apprentices in 25 stores across Scotland.

“We recognised the benefits of working in partnership with Farmfoods to help them recruit their apprentices,” said Steve Bridge, skills shop manager at Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy. “The scheme provides a solid foundation for people seeking a career within the sector.”

In Cheshire, the starting salary for candidates is £4 per hour for 16 to 17-year-olds, rising to £5 per hour for over-18s.