First store managers graduate thanks to Starbucks apprenticeships programme

Starbucks has always been about offering meaningful, rewarding careers for its partners (employees) and providing opportunities for continual learning and career growth. In the most recent graduation ceremony, 47 partners proudly walked the stage in London to graduate from their management apprenticeships, including 13 in Higher Level 4 Management.

Since its introduction in 2012, the apprenticeship programme has seen over 1,400 partners enroll for a qualification in a variety of fields from customer service to management to food technology. To date, close to 80% of all Starbucks apprentices have achieved their programme and Diploma, with one in five of all those graduating apprentices also achieving a promotion within Starbucks.

In 2015, Starbucks announced a commitment to create a further 1,000 apprenticeship places by 2020, which included professional management and leadership roles for the first time. Now in its sixth year, the award-winning programme has reached a new milestone with the first store managers achieving a full Level 4 ILM Diploma in Leadership & Management.

Starbucks apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with leading national training providers Remit Training and BPP.  Through these partnerships Starbucks offers an apprenticeship in a variety of different roles and levels, from entry level through to degree Level 6.

Peppe Mauriello, assistant store manager and apprenticeship graduate, said: “I can’t believe how quickly I’ve progressed since joining the Starbucks apprenticeship scheme in 2014. I’m proud to say that in just four years I have now been promoted to Assistant Store Manager at the Embankment store in central London. Not only has the scheme helped me develop professionally, but personally as well. I’ve grown to become a more mature and confident person. Now I’m looking forward to starting the next part of the scheme, Level 6, which forms the basis for a foundation or full degree – meaning I will learn even more transferable skills.”

Russell Butcher, senior manager, education, skills and qualifications, Starbucks said: “Apprenticeships work for our business and our people, providing the catalyst for growth and progression. We have numerous partners who have progressed through different apprenticeship programmes, culminating in our first ever higher-level management graduates - a landmark milestone and a very proud moment for us all.”