Proper Jobs. Fresh Start.
If you think you have what it takes to join our next generation of retail leaders, we’re offering a fresh start and a proper job right here in our stores.
We know things are tough out there for young people right now. But we also know that lots of you are staying focused on finding a good career with great prospects. That’s why we’re launching our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme. It will offer 1,000 new apprenticeships by 2030 to people like you who want to develop into our next generation of retail leaders.
We’ve designed our programme to help you gain experience in the kind of things that are essential in retail environments - teamwork, communication, hospitality, customer service and lots more. It can give you a great foundation in retail, together with plenty of practical know-how that you’ll be able to put to work straight away.
About the Programme
Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme lasts for up to 2 years. It combines learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training, online learning and loads of opportunities to practise what you learn in a real work environment.
You’ll start by spending 13 weeks working as a Morrisons store colleague, before progressing to a 12-month apprenticeship in your chosen area of retail. We’re the largest provider of craft apprenticeships in the UK, so that might mean learning a traditional culinary art such as a skilled Butcher, Fishmonger or Baker. Or it could mean learning about general Retailing in our stores, or hospitality in our Cafes.
If you successfully complete your apprenticeship and assessments, you could then progress to our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School. This is a six-month programme, which can kickstart your journey into retail management.
When to apply
Our first wave of applications will open at the end of September 2026 across some of our Yorkshire stores, with further opportunities around the UK to follow.
Level 2 Butchery Apprenticeship Programme
Butchery plays a huge role in the history of Morrisons. It’s not just a Proper Job - it’s one of the oldest crafts in the world.
Join us as a Butchery Apprentice and we’ll teach you knife skills so you’re able to prepare meat primals through cutting, mincing, and dicing. You'll also learn about the different animal species we work with, and the techniques you need to produce and process meat products.
When you complete your apprenticeship and assessments to become a fully qualified Butcher, you could progress your career further into management through our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Level 2 Fishmongery Apprenticeship Programme
The fish production business is a growing industry in the UK and qualified Fishmongers are critical to the Morrisons Market Street offer.
As a Fishmonger Apprentice, you'll learn to cut, fillet, scale and skin fish, and learn about the different fish species and preparation methods.
Complete your apprenticeship and assessments, and you’ll become a fully qualified Fishmonger with the opportunity to progress your career further into management through our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Level 2 Bakery Apprenticeship Programme
Throughout all of history, baking has always been a Proper Job - and today it’s one of the fastest growing sectors of the food industry.
Become a Bakery Apprentice, and you'll learn how to make a wide range of breads and baked goods. You’ll learn about product making and ingredients, methods and timings.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship and assessments, you’ll become a fully qualified Baker with the opportunity to progress your career further into management through our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Level 2 Cafe Apprenticeship Programme
Hospitality plays a big role at Morrisons, and providing the best service for our customers in our Cafes is a true Proper Job.
As a Cafe Apprentice, you’ll pick up the key skills and knowledge to thrive in the hospitality industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience in everything from serving food and beverages, to customer service, handling transactions, and teamwork.
Complete your apprenticeship and assessments, and you’ll have the opportunity to progress your career further into Management through our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Level 2 Retail Apprenticeship Programme
Retailing is the home of the Proper Job - and it’s been at the heart of Morrisons since 1899.
Join us as a Retailer Apprentice, and we’ll help you learn about the retail industry, from customer service, to sales, stock management, products, communication, teamwork, and loads more.
You’ll then complete your apprenticeship and assessments, at which point you’ll have the opportunity to progress your career further into management through our Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Proper Jobs; Fresh Start programme?
Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme will combine practical, on-the-job experience with the relevant training over two years. Participants will begin by spending 13 weeks working in a job as a Morrisons store colleague and will then progress on to a 12-month apprenticeship in their chosen area of retail, including as a skilled Butcher, Fishmonger or Baker, Retailing or hospitality in our Cafes. On successful completion of the apprenticeship and assessments, Fresh Start colleagues will then have the opportunity to progress to a place on a six month programme, the Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School, to begin their journey into retail management.
What is the Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School?
The Sir Ken Morrison Leadership School is a six month internal development programme, aimed at preparing all colleagues who have the desire to progress to get ready for the next work level. The programme combines technical and leadership development and is accredited by Bradford University.
Why have Morrisons introduced this programme?
There are more than a million young people across the UK who are not currently in education, employment or training. This is a major issue for the country and one which businesses across our industry need to work together to address. At Morrisons, we want to play our part by providing jobs that give young people the opportunity to earn, learn and build lasting careers. Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme will combine real, hands-on experience with a fully funded qualification, for example in craft skills as Butchers, Bakers and Fishmongers.
Is there a qualification with the apprenticeship?
Yes, those who successfully complete the apprenticeship and the assessments will receive a level 2 qualification.
What apprenticeship options will be available?
It will vary from store to store depending on their requirements and vacancies but options will include Butchery, Bakery, Fishmongery, Cafe/Hospitality or Retailing.
What is the pay?
Successful applicants will join us at our starter Customer Assistant rate of pay.
Upon successful completion, they will receive the relevant rate of pay for the job; for example:
- a Craft Apprentice moves to the rate for a Butcher, Baker, or Fishmonger.
- For hospitality and retail apprenticeships, they would remain in a Customer Assistant role.
Morrisons do not apply age related pay.
When do applications open for Proper Jobs; Fresh Start?
Our first wave of applications will open at the end of September 2026 across some of our Yorkshire stores with further opportunities around the UK to follow.