Trainees will spend a year learning every aspect of how to run a Sainsbury's department while being mentored by an experienced store manager. After this time successful trainees will have the knowledge and skills to become a Sainsbury's department manager - a key role which involves overseeing a large team and a multi £million budget in one of Sainsbury's 1,000 stores across the country.
The scheme is open to school leavers and job changers with two A-levels and a passion for retail and customer service. The starting salary is £17,500 and includes a number of benefits including 22 days holiday, contributory pension, a discount card and eligibility for the Sainsbury's bonus scheme.
Gwyn Burr (pictured), Sainsbury's customer service and colleague director, said: "We are really pleased to be able to offer more opportunities than ever this year. 250 candidates have been successful on the scheme since we launched in March 2011, and they are already making a difference across our business, managing motivated teams and making decisions on the sales floor every day to help our customers.
"Retail is an exciting, fast-paced sector to work in and one of the biggest employers in this country. It's also rewarding work with flexibility and opportunities for fast progression. A third of our store managers started with us before their nineteenth birthday, showing that if you work hard and have a genuine desire to succeed you can quickly rise to the top."