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 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

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

Working closely with Lifetime we’ve been able to design a launch process that gives our managers and learners the information they need to set them up for success, empowering our managers to use apprenticeships in the best possible way to develop their colleagues in their stores.

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to introduce young people in particular, to the hospitality industry and show what an exciting and rewarding industry we work in. Apprentices are fundamental in us being able to grow and develop our own talent from within. Lifetime offer an all-round service for us from helping us to recruit the right candidate to then delivering and supporting the apprentice through their apprenticeship.

The Aldi apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership with Lifetime has added great value to Aldi as an employer. I first-hand have seen the significantly positive impact it has had to our business and stores. Over the past 3 years, I have overseen 14 apprentices that have flourished into competent, qualified and extremely driven managers. We’ve had managers graduate to both Deputy and Assistant Manager, so with up to 40 stores being built in Bathgate region alone over the next years, this programme has provided us with our leaders of tomorrow.