John Lewis resolves IT skills gap with apprenticeship scheme

Retailer John Lewis says it has resolved the IT skills gap issue by appointing five apprentices.

In May 2013, John Lewis joined forces with QA Apprenticeships to launch its technology apprenticeship scheme.

The trainees have now been recruited as part of the Technology Apprenticeship and will be signed to the retailer's IT projects teams in London. The scheme is an 18-month, level 3 apprenticeship.

Helen Camillei, qualifications manager at John Lewis, said technology apprenticeships have long been a goal for the business: “They offer us another way to develop and retain talented, skilled new staff that will contribute to the innovation we need to keep delivering the highest standards of service.

“We chose QA Apprenticeships for their expertise in IT training and flexibility to ensure we are offering the most relevant and valuable programme possible.”

The apprentices will complete a number of Java Programming courses with on-going work-based training. They will spend two weeks on the shop floor to learn about retail and customer service.

Ben Pike, director of QA Apprenticeships, said: “This partnership is a great result for the UK’s young people as another influential business incorporates apprenticeships into their established recruitment processes. 

"John Lewis is a forward-thinking employer with investment in people at the heart of its growth, and we are delighted to be working with them.

“This programme shows the power of IT apprenticeships to deliver relevant skills to business and offer career paths in a whole variety of sectors.”