John Lewis Partnership reaches apprenticeship milestone as Amazon takes on 1,000 new roles

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, John Lewis Partnership shared the milestone, adding that this year has been the “most successful year of apprenticeships yet”.

As part of its pledge to build futures for young people leaving care, the partnership has made a commitment to offer apprenticeships specifically to care leavers. 

It’s also expanding its T-level placements to offer students on-the-job experience through a placement alongside their practical and knowledge-based learning at school or college.

This placement can be accessed through the Waitrose Head Office, the Partnership’s Textile Factory in Lancashire, and at the Waitrose Farm in Leckford under four schemes: management and administration, accounting, engineering and manufacturing, and crop production.  

The partnership currently has 1,200 staff on live apprenticeships across 30 schemes.

John Lewis Partnership head of learning and inclusion and belonging Ceira Thom said: “We are incredibly proud to have reached this landmark of 5,000 apprentices – they are key to partnering learning and development, helping us continue to be a brilliant retailer and fulfil our Partnership Plan. 

“The Partnership is continuing to invest in partners’ development by offering over 30 different apprenticeship schemes in 2025 – reflecting the full spectrum of roles in retail, as well as our commitment to attract care-experienced people to roles in our business.” 

New opportunities

Amazon has also revealed it will create 1,000 new apprentices in the UK in 2025 to offer opportunities across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, and Amazon Devices and Services.

Recruitment has started across over 40 different programmes such as data science, cyber security, HR, marketing, engineering, health and safety and warehouse operations. 

It is also creating courses such as creative industries production, data centre operations, and facilities operations.

Amazon has offered 7,000 UK apprenticeships since the launch of the Amazon Apprenticeship programme in 2013.

It also set up an Amazon-supported internship for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities. It combines classroom learning with practical work experience.

Amazon country manager John Boumphrey said: “Apprenticeships have been a big focus for Amazon for over a decade, and we’re excited to continue creating opportunities for people to start and grow their careers through the announcement of 1,000 new UK apprenticeships in 2025.

“The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is perfect for people of all ages who are either taking their first step on the career ladder, or for those who want to pursue a new path. This is one of the many ways we continue to create opportunities for people inside and outside Amazon to learn new skills and gain new qualifications.”