Apprenticeships go digital

Apprenticeships go digital

From banking and clothing to groceries and beyond, digital technology plays a critical role in delivering our strategy. As coding and software development talent becomes increasingly important, we’ve taken steps to attract the next generation of digital stars.

In recent years, our entire business has been transformed by increasingly powerful technology – and the pace of change will only accelerate.

Already, more than one in nine of our colleagues work in our online operations, which makes us one of the retail sector’s most important digital employers.

But the only way we can sustain our digital strengths is by ensuring we secure a reliable pipeline of talented people with the technology skills we need.

So, in summer 2016, we launched an apprenticeship scheme to attract people with a passion for coding and software development into the business.

No previous experience was required: the 10 successful applicants began their apprenticeships with a six-week ‘boot camp’ that taught them the basics of coding and developing.

“Technology plays a key role in delivering Sainsbury’s strategy.”

Richard Newsome
Interim Digital and Technology Director

Brightest talents

The apprentices will eventually graduate from the programme with a Level 4 qualification in software development, along with the skills and hands-on experience they need to excel as fully fledged software developers.

Until then, they will spend two years learning from some of the brightest talents in the digital industry, based at our expanding Digital Lab in London or on assignment in different parts of the business.

10

coding and software development talents have joined our expanding apprentice team

This launch came as we continue to reinforce our support for apprenticeship schemes. We are piloting team leader and management apprenticeships, with 119 retail and logistics colleagues scheduled to complete the programmes in 2017.

We also have over 200 colleagues enrolled on bakery, fish and café hospitality programmes.

Great opportunities

Richard Newsome, Interim Digital and Technology Director at Sainsbury’s, said: “Our digital and technology team play a key role in delivering the strategy of our business.

“We’re delighted to be giving the next generation of coders the opportunity to join our team and hone their talents. By creating these apprenticeships, we’re enabling people to turn their passion for technology into a potential career.”