At the start of National Apprenticeship Week Starbucks reaffirms commitment to young people in Britain by offering more the chance to earn qualifications

London, 11 March 2013 — Today, Starbucks reaffirms its commitment to providing opportunities for young people in the UK by increasing the apprenticeship qualifications it will offer. On top of its commitment to offer 1,000 apprenticeships by the end of 2014, the company will also be providing 200 of its existing partners (employees) the chance to earn a Level-3 Apprenticeship, the equivalent of 2 A-levels. By the end of this month, Starbucks will have hired 200 apprentices, helping them to start a retail management career, and build the transferable skills needed to further their careers and contribute to our service economy.

In addition, the company intends to introduce a Level-4 business and enterprise Apprenticeship in 2014, equivalent to a higher education national diploma. These additions will further increase the opportunities for a genuine career path and progress for young people joining the company. The decision to increase the programme has been driven by its success in recruiting and retaining fantastic talent, and the fact that almost half of Starbucks partners are under the age of 24 - an age group facing the most significant challenges around employment.

The company is keen to promote the opportunities that a growing coffee sector in the UK could create for young people starting as baristas and apprentices. The apprenticeship scheme forms part of the company’s commitment to create 5,000 new jobs and open 300 new stores over a five year period, and builds on the £1.5m it already invests every year in training its partners.

Jan Smallbone, director of Talent for Starbucks said: “Starting as an apprentice at Starbucks gives young people a genuine alternative to academic study, and a real path to a retail career. Not only do our apprentices gain technical coffee expertise, they also build those transferable skills that are essential to getting ahead in their careers. We cannot underestimate the role of parents and teachers in influencing career choices, and so convincing them of the true potential of a great apprenticeship scheme is the key to giving young people the incentive and confidence to pursue a vocational route.”

Anthony Panayi, a Starbucks Apprentice said: “I knew university wasn’t for me, and that I learn more effectively from getting hands-on experience, which meant becoming an apprentice seemed an ideal prospect. The Starbucks Apprenticeship Scheme has given me the support, responsibility and essential qualifications to begin a successful career in a retail sector that continues to grow. My ambition is to become a store manager by the time I am 24, managing a team of over 15 people, and with the continued encouragement and direction from my manager, this is only the beginning!”

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, running from 11-15 March, Starbucks Apprentices will be sharing their experiences on the National Apprenticeship Week website. Applications for Starbucks Apprenticeships can be made through www.notgoingtouni.com.

About Starbucks Apprenticeship Scheme

The Starbucks Apprenticeship programme offers two levels of Apprenticeships to enable career progression, each taking 12 months to complete. The first year of the programme sees Apprentices gain an NVQ Level 2 – equivalent to 5 A-C GCSEs; whilst the second offers an NVQ Level 3 – equivalent to two A Levels. Due to the success of its Apprenticeship scheme, Starbucks will extend the programme further, introducing a Level 4 qualification in 2014. The business and enterprise Apprenticeship will be available to apprentices that have successfully completed Levels 2 and 3 and will be equivalent to a higher education national diploma.