The food retailer, Pret A Manger, have unveiled innovative new plans to hire people from troubled backgrounds, including homeless people and ex-offenders, as part of their new apprenticeship scheme.
Pret A Manger are working in conjunction with nine charities and several community groups to identify potential candidates for the apprenticeship places available. The food retailer say they will train all of the new staff they hire, allowing them to work in a variety of areas related to the business including front of house and customer service, to IT and advertising and the shop floor depending on which areas the individuals show an interest.
In addition to paying each apprentice a weekly wage, Pret A Manger will pay for the individual’s travel to and from work, and will also give them £100 to buy new clothes which they’ll need for work.
The new plan to hire apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds comes after a successful apprenticeship scheme conducted by Pret A Manger this year which saw 57 apprentices given opportunities with the company.
Pret A Manger say that they recognise how difficult it is for people from troubled backgrounds to get a foot on the employment ladder in normal times, so it’s near impossible for these individuals to be given an opportunity in times of economic hardship such as now. The company say every apprentice starts with a clean slate, as they are offering these individuals a chance to rebuild their lives and careers.
