CHICKEN-centric restaurant chain Nando’s has launched a School Leaver Programme south of the border, offering level 2 apprenticeships at over 200 of its restaurants across England.
As part of the group’s ongoing commitment to invest in promoting and providing careers in the hospitality sector, school leavers and young people over the age of 16 can apply for Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeships, which will include a 15-month syllabus covering customer service, team leadership and personal development, and opportunities to learn alongside Nando’s experienced team members in-restaurant.
This initiative forms part of Nando’s ‘Varsity’ Apprenticeship offering, which was first established in 2017, Under which the group has offered 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.
Head of People at Nando’s, Claire Smith, 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, spoek up to recommend the Varsity programme: “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, which will provide the school leaver syllabus, added: “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.”
