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Nando’s today announces the launch of its School Leaver Programme, offering level 2 apprenticeships at over 200 of its restaurants across England as part of its ongoing commitment to invest in promoting and providing careers in the hospitality sector.

The programme, eligible to school leavers and young people over the age of 16, will offer a Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship in all regions across England. The 15-month syllabus, provided in partnership with Lifetime Training, will cover customer service, team leadership and personal development, while providing opportunities to learn alongside Nando’s experienced team members in-restaurant.

This forms part of Nando’s ‘Varsity’ Apprenticeship offering established in 2017. Under ‘Varsity’, Nando’s offers apprenticeship levels 2 to 5, blending on-the-job training, self-study and face-to-face coaching with learning activities to support apprentices in building the industry knowledge and skills for a career in the sector.

Claire Smith, Head of People at Nando’s, said: “What makes Nando’s great is our people, and we are passionate about providing opportunities for young people to take their first step into work and build a career in the hospitality sector. The launch of the School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme enables us to further invest in providing clear career paths within our industry, with our ambition to develop 70% of our managers from within the Nando’s business.

“We are proud that all our apprenticeships receive the same salary as our full-time team members alongside our extensive package of benefits such as free meals every shift, up to 40% discount including five guests, and a paid sabbatical after five years of service. A career in hospitality offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, engaging and varied environment and at Nando’s we prioritise investing in our people to build their futures together.”

Bonnie Naef, Assistant Manager at Nando’s Gatwick South Terminal Restaurant: “I would highly recommend applying for Nando’s Varsity. In March 2021 I graduated from the level 3 diploma in hospitality management. The monthly tutorials were a space to ask questions which I had always thought about and to delve deeper into the areas of management and hospitality which interested me. I use the skills learnt from this experience on a day-to-day basis when leading my team. For anyone looking to progress within Nando’s, or the hospitality industry in general, I would highly recommend applying for Nando’s Varsity.”

Matthew Robinson, Commercial Director at Lifetime Training: “Lifetime is thrilled to partner with Nando’s and bring an exciting new apprenticeship offer to school leavers and young people. Working with an employer where apprentice pay is equitable to their peers and provides a fair and inclusive opportunity for all is fantastic. This collaboration unlocks genuine, long-term careers in the vibrant hospitality industry, supported by an exceptional employer. Together, we aim to empower aspiring individuals to embark on a fulfilling journey, carving out successful futures in the world of hospitality.”

Recently crowned ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Casual Dining Awards 2023, Nando’s training and development standards are recognised as industry-leading in creating a clear career path and equipping people with the skills they need to get into, or back to, work.

The School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme demonstrates Nando’s long-term commitment to investing in career opportunities within hospitality, working to change perceptions about the industry and promote the sector.

Alongside its ‘Varsity’ offering, Nando’s prides itself on investing in the development of its people. For example, through its International Grillers Challenge – providing a platform for team members to showcase their skills on the grill, or its recently launched ‘Bring Your Outside In’ programme which allows its restaurant Nandocas to bring their creative talents into business projects and gain valuable professional experience for furthering their careers.

In addition, Nando’s is a founding partner of FareShare UK’s employability programme, aiming to recruit people across the UK to give sustainable employment to those needing to access food donation services.

You can find out more, view opportunities and apply here: https://lifetimetraining.co.uk/personal/apprenticeship-vacancies/nandos/