Pret A Manger recruits apprentices to celebrate 25th birthday

The new recruits, who come from homeless backgrounds, have been taken on the three-month scheme with a view to gaining permanent positions. Whilst training, all apprentices receive full pay and benefits, and Pret also gives them £100 for work clothes, pays for their travel to and from work and helps them set up bank accounts. On graduating, they are given a full-time job and receive a £100 gift voucher. Pret has been working with eight charities and community projects in and outside London to identify potential apprentices. Each candidate is invited for an interview and then placed in the business if successful. Nicki Fisher, head of sustainability at Pret A Manger, who is in charge of the apprenticeship scheme, said: "This is about helping to break the cycle of homelessness. "These apprenticeships provide a second chance for people who may have been written off by society. Through working, the apprentices are able to get themselves out of hostels and into their own accommodation. They make a whole new set of friends and have a sense of purpose restored in their lives. "After three months, if a permanent role is available and the apprentice has done well, they will be offered full-time permanent employment. If not, they will at least leave Pret with work experience to put on their CV and references." So far, more than 75% of the apprentices recruited stay with the company permanently.