John Lewis Partnership – Growing a successful industry placement programme

Introduction

This case study shows one of the UK’s leading retailers providing industry placements and looking ahead to the next step in the journey.

Who it’s for

It will be useful for:

    • Employers who are thinking about starting industry placements for the first time
    • Employers who want to increase the numbers of placements they offer
    • People who are responsible for early careers, apprenticeships and recruitment
    • Staff supporting students as line managers and mentors
    • The resource is especially relevant to other large employers, in all sectors of the economy.

The organisation

The John Lewis Partnership is the UK’s largest employee-owned business. It is the parent company of two well-known retail brands – John Lewis and Waitrose, which are owned in Trust by over 70,000 Partners.

Around 1,200 Partners are currently taking part in a wide range of apprenticeships and the company also offers placements to university students. The first three T Level students started their industry placement in the John Lewis Partnership in 2021. By 2024, 21 students had joined the programme and a further 10 to 15 are expected to start their placements in 2025.

What’s in the resource

The resource consists of three videos. One describes why the John Lewis Partnership started out on its industry placement journey, how the placements work and what’s expected in the future.

The other two describe the experience of three students currently on placement and one who’s just finished.

Industry placements at the John Lewis Partnership

“If I’m successful we’ll have students in more areas in a year’s time doing different T Levels – everyone I speak to is very positive about it”

Julie Skinner, Progression Specialist (Early Careers)

    • Industry placements in the John Lewis Partnership (0:17)
    • Why John Lewis offers industry placements (1:13)
    • How industry placements work in the John Lewis Partnership (2:17)
    • Planning and preparing for the placements (3:07)
    • What students do during their placements (4:15)
    • Looking to the future (4:56)

 

What it’s like to take part in an industry placement at the John Lewis Partnership 

Jarod and Jess

“I’m learning a lot – the team has been really helpful at the John Lewis Partnership, they’ve helped me grow as an individual”

    • Introducing the students (0:09)
    • Starting the placement (1:15)
    • Being part of a team (1:52)
    • What the students learn on their placements (3:02)

Chetas and Ollie

“I’m currently looking for an apprenticeship – I’m hoping stay with the Partnership and apply for jobs I think I’m capable to do”

    • Introducing the students (0:09)
    • Being part of a team (1:10)
    • Learning Presentation Skills (2:42)
    • What Next (4:22)

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