Starbucks UK is on the lookout for the next generation of hospitality leaders. Launching today (7 July) during the UK’s Youth Employment Week, the company is opening applications for its Accelerated Leadership Programme, a fast-track route from entry level to store manager in just 13 months, a journey that would typically take around three years.
This year’s programme will recruit over 20 participants. No previous hospitality or work experience is required; just passion, potential, and a drive to grow. Training for each participant is free, with Starbucks investing £5,000 (£100,000 in total) in their professional development, helping to set them up for success in the early stages of their career.Whilst the programme offers trainees the opportunity to grow and accelerate their career within Starbucks, the skills gained are designed to open doors wherever their journey leads. There’s no requirement to stay with the company for any length of time, nor are any of the costs of training required to be repaid.
Throughout the programme, delivered by Starbucks training partner Corndel, participants will gain hands-on experience in stores and learn about every aspect needed to become a successful, well-rounded hospitality manager, as well as gaining a professional accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).Across the 13 months, participants will:
Gain essential hands-on in-store experience
Build core leadership and team management skills
Strengthen their commercial and strategic understanding
Develop their decision-making
Improve their time management skills
Learn how to deliver standout customer experience
Understand how to resolve conflict and deescalate
Have the opportunity to network with existing partners across the UKThey’ll graduate with a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to an A Level), fully equipping them for a role as a Starbucks store manager by the end of the programme.This is the second intake for the newly formed Accelerated Leadership Programme, with 14 partners currently progressing through the scheme after the first round of applications opened earlier this year in April. In total, Starbucks will invest more than £170,000 across the two cohorts.
Alex Rayner, General Manager, Starbucks UK said: “We’re delighted to open further applications for our Accelerated Leadership Programme. Our success starts and ends with our Green Apron Partners and whether you’re just leaving school or exploring a fresh start, Starbucks is a place where you can be yourself, work with great people, craft your path and spread joy every day through the power of coffee.”
Reina, a Green Apron Partner who is currently enrolled in the scheme, said: “When my manager suggested I should apply to the Accelerated Leadership Programme, I was excited to try something new. My favourite lesson so far has been learning about happiness at work – things like managing your time or finding strategies to improve your wellbeing. I didn’t realise that would be something we’d be taught as store managers, but it is important – for ourselves and our team. I don’t know what the future holds for me but now I’ll have the skills to succeed no matter where life takes me.”
The initiative is part of Starbucks UK’s ongoing commitment to provide young people with meaningful career opportunities. It runs alongside a year-round apprenticeship scheme offering 150 new roles across the business, from entry-level baristas to degree-level positions in the support centre.Applications open on 7 July and close on 21 July.
Interested candidates can apply at: https://corndel.foleon.com/starbucks/starbucks-learner-hub/
