Starbucks puts food hygiene and customer service NVQs on the menu

The strategy will see the company favour applicants who want to volunteer in the community and aims to improve customer service by increasing investment in skills and cutting staff turnover. Like retailer John Lewis, Starbucks describes employees as "partners" and they now have access to the following: The chance to earn NVQ qualifications – Starbucks is working with the National Employer Service to offer its partners the opportunity to complete a range of NVQ qualifications, starting with its Shift Supervisors. Management training – District Managers and other business leaders will have the opportunity to undergo MBA style development programmes at Ashridge Business School. Funding for personal development - Starbucks will set up a Partner Fund, which partners can apply to for personal projects like volunteering or learning new skills. "Best Barista" recruitment – Store Managers will be trained to recruit baristas who share Starbucks commitment to community work and volunteering. They'll also be picked because they have the skill and keenness for conversation, as well as a desire to make exceptional coffee. Darcy Willson-Rymer, managing director Starbucks UK & Ireland said: "Starbucks was set up to be a different kind of company, which puts its employees at the heart of the business and allows them to share in its success. "When we were devising our new strategy, we asked our partners what mattered to them and they told us loud and clear that they wanted the opportunity to build a career at Starbucks and gain transferable skills. "It's good news for our customers who want to see familiar faces, but it's also the right thing to do at a time when coffee shops are providing so many jobs." Simon Tarr, chief operating officer at sector skills council People 1st, agrees: "Businesses that continually invest in developing their teams reap the benefits from a motivated workforce and happy customers."