Marks & Spencer has announced a new traineeship that will offer up to 1,000 young jobseekers a six‑month training course, with a guaranteed full‑time role for those who finish successfully. The move comes as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) warns that youth unemployment could rise to 18 percent by next spring, adding nearly 80,000 jobless young people to the national total.

Marks & Spencer’s 18‑Month Roll‑Out Plan

The retailer will roll out the traineeship to 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds over the next 18 months, according to the company’s announcement.. The six‑month programme blends retail management training, confidence building and hands‑on store experience, with the end goal of placing successful participants in full‑time roles. retail director Thinus Keeve said the initiative is designed to "open doors for the next generation" and to give young people the chance to lead teams early in their careers.

Building on the Marks & Start Partnership

M&S already runs the Marks & Start scheme in partnership with The King’s Trust, which boasts an 80 percent completion rate and a two‑thirds conversion to permanent roles. The new traineeship expands that effort, adding a fresh cohort of up to 1,000 trainees. Chief Executive Stuart Machin, who began his career with a Saturday job, highlighted how such opportunities can transform lives and expressed concern that many young people today lack similar chances.

BCCh Forecasts a Sharp Rise in Youth Unemployment

The BCC predicts youth unemployment will climb from 16.2 percent to 17.9 percent by spring next year – the highest rate since early 2014 – pushing the total above 800,000 . The report also warns of a 12‑year high in overall unemployment at 5.5 percent amid sluggish economic growth.. BCC economist David Bharier stressed the risk to the UK’s skills pipeline,while Stonegate Group CEO David McDowall urged policy reversals to give businesses the economic breathing room to hire young workers.

Policy Drivers Behind the Hiring Crunch

Industry leaders cite government policies, including higher national insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes, as discouraging youth hiring. The BCC and other business groups warn that these measures are squeezing the retail sector’s ability to bring on new talent. Marks & Spencer’s initiative is therefore framed as a proactive response to a broader policy environment that is tightening the labour market for young workers.

Who Will Benefit and What’s Still Unclear?

While the programme promises full‑time roles for successful trainees, the source does not specify the exact number of guaranteed positions or the criteria for selection. It also leaves unanswered whether the traineeship will be open to all 18‑24‑year‑olds or only those who meet certain educational or experience thresholds. Finally, the long‑term sustainability of the scheme in light of ongoing policy changes remains uncertain.