Everyone who works for the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) co owns the business. That's why, from the moment graduates join, they are Partners, not employees.
One of the UK's leading retail businesses, JLP continued to increase sales in 2009 to £6.97 billion. But it's not only a commercial success story. The company also prides itself on its honesty and integrity.
The Partnership offers two Retail Management schemes (one with John Lewis and one with Waitrose); a Corporate Finance scheme; and two John Lewis Head Office schemes (in Buying and Merchandising). Each one features practical learning, formal courses, short placements and coaching, and gives graduates the training to reach the highest levels of the business.
The John Lewis Retail Management scheme helps graduates reach their first Department Manager position within 12–18 months, then progress into senior store management roles within three to four years. Those who join Waitrose can expect to manage a £multi-million operation as a Department Manager within 12–18 months and run their own store within a few years.
JLP's Finance scheme includes support to study for a CIMA/ACCA qualification and develops the skills to drive the company's growth. Meanwhile, graduates on the Buying scheme can be heading up a team sourcing products globally within three to five years. The John Lewis Head Office scheme in Merchandising is brand new and will begin in Autumn 2010.
Rewards include one of the best profit–sharing schemes around plus discounts, final salary pension scheme and other attractive benefits.