B&Q has launched a diversity-friendly apprenticeship scheme and 150 employees have already signed up.

The retailer launched the 12-month programme to equip staff with the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress their careers, while continuing to do their jobs.

Staff will have the option of completing the apprenticeship, an NVQ in retail skills and a home improvement knowledge qualification. The qualifications are open to all non-management staff. The firm employs 33,500 staff - 28% of whom are over 50 and 8% are over 65 - and there are no age restrictions for any of the vocational schemes.

Euan Sutherland, CEO at B&Q, said: "Investing in qualifications will help B&Q further achieve its aim of having friendly expert staff of all ages and give our customers confidence that they are being advised by staff who are knowledgeable and able to offer trusted advice."

Earlier this year, B&Q announced it was to invest £1 million in improving employees' skills and later this month the first graduates from its NVQ scheme are expected. These staff will have a badge showing customers they hold the qualification.