We believe people make IKEA unique and the possibility for people to grow, both as individuals and in their professional roles, is important to us. Through working with our apprenticeship offer, our apprentices have increased in confidence, taken responsibility for their own development, stepped out of their comfort zones and are embracing a growth mindset. Collaborating and co-creating with Lifetime has been key in building a relevant and meaningful apprenticeship programme.

Since our Apprenticeship programme started in October 2017 we have steadily gained momentum and have recently reached over 100 Apprentices in our Stores. The plan is to reach at least 250 over the next 12 months with further growth expected over the next three years. Apprentices have said that the programme is excellent, with great support from the Lifetime Trainers and the Store Managers. It’s essential to future proof the business with talented, well trained individuals and that’s what the programmes will give us going forward

Apprentices are better because they learn how to do their job really well, and our businesses are better because our apprentices are bringing new ideas and great ways of working into their workplaces! We couldn’t do it without our great partnership with Lifetime Training who provide the expertise to train our apprentices to be the best they can be.

I am delighted with our apprenticeship partnership with Lifetime Training and what it’s done for Mitchells & Butlers. By investing into a tailored and comprehensive approach to apprenticeship learning and development, we have enabled the business to thrive and dramatically reduce turnover in that specific population; which we are confident will have a sustainable effect across the business over time. Not only that, but we have managed to gain a brand new pipeline of young talent that will become the lifeblood of the business.

I took a carer role straight out of sixth form and with the help of my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship training, I've climbed the ladder from carer to care coordinator managing and supporting teams of carers. Next steps uni and a more senior role!

Apprenticeships help to reduce team turnover, increase employee engagement and provide us with the opportunity to grow our own talent by investing in our people and supporting their ambitions. It is so important to support young people to get that all important first step on the career ladder. Apprenticeships should be considered as a real option as they provide valuable skills to help build a career in hospitality

I'm so pleased I made the choice that I did! The nursery I volunteered at interviewed me and asked me to come in for a 'play day' and were so impressed they put me in touch with the team at their sister nursery. I secured a 12-month contract initially and was then offered a permanent position based on my performance

Promises are kept to. There’s trust in our relationship. It’s professional, yet flexible. I really feel like Claire’s is Lifetime's only contract. I know it’s not but the service we receive is second to none and I truly feel like we’re getting value for money

Gaining a qualification gave me the drive and motivation to develop my knowledge and skills. Being employer as a Chef has heightened my sense of self-esteem.