John Lewis calls for applicants to graduate scheme
Retailer John Lewis is urging final year students and graduates not to miss the deadline for its 2014 graduate scheme. The scheme closes to applications on 1 December 2013.
The graduate scheme offers jobs in one of five specialities; Retail Management, Buying, Merchandising, Corporate Finance and a brand new Technology Scheme.
The graduate programmes will set graduates on a fast-track career development programme to give them the skills required to progress to John Lewis’ most senior roles. Successful applicants will be constantly challenged by working in a variety of positions and given significant responsibility early on.
Carole Donaldson, Manager, Resourcing, John Lewis said, “We’re looking for talented, motivated and determined graduates to apply for our scheme.
“Every year, we take on a variety of different graduates with diverse degrees and backgrounds, which strengthens us as an organisation in the long-term, and this year will be no exception.
“There are still three weeks left to get your applications in, so no matter what your degree is, come and take a look at what we have to offer.
“This year, we are delighted to offer a brand new technology scheme to develop a new generation of IT leaders and to help drive forward our ambition to become a leading omni-channel retailer.
“Over the years, we have seen many John Lewis graduates quickly move up to senior management roles within the company, which is testament to the quality of our training and development schemes.”
Samuel Stephens, 23 years old, successfully applied for the John Lewis 2013 Merchandising Graduate Scheme and is currently working with the Merchandising team at the John Lewis head office in London. He studied Marine Biology and Ecology at Plymouth University.
Samuel said: “Having gained previous experience in retail, I knew that this was the industry I wanted to be in. Busy and fast-paced, my role in the John Lewis Merchandising team means that I’m working at the heart of the company, with lots of different people, functions and stakeholders. I’ve really enjoyed my time as a graduate so far.
“It has provided me with first-hand experience, but in a well-supported programme – which I’m not sure I would have received elsewhere. John Lewis encourages you to gain as much experience as you can, so my goal now is to embrace this, and then work my way up as high as I can. CEO has a nice ring to it.”
As well as training graduates will be able to take advantage of the many benefits offered to Partners, receiving a share of company profits and having a say in the running of the business.
It also provides Partners with a subsidy so that they can claim money back from numerous events such as festivals, theatre and sports matches. As with all Partners, John Lewis provides graduates with a leisure learning subsidy where they can claim back half the costs of courses such as languages, art or music.
To apply for the 2014 John Lewis Partnership graduate scheme visit www.jlpjobs.com/graduates
The scheme is now open for applications and will close on 1st December 2013.
