Latest news with #apprenticeships
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
As AI rocks entry-level gigs, Whole Foods exec says the billion-dollar grocer is offering workers the chance to become butchers, fishmongers, and pizza makers
As tech CEOs predict AI will wipe out millions of roles, about 1,300 Whole Foods employees have been trained in traditional crafts like fishmongering to cake decorating. Other retailers like Lowe's also have their own trade initiative. The retailer says artisan work is 'vital' during a talent shortage and mass automation of human tasks. And it could provide unemployed Gen Zers—who can't get a corporate gig but hate the idea of becoming a tradie—with an alternative career path. As AI rapidly disrupts white-collar roles, many workers are scrambling to find a career that is safe from complete automation. Now, skilled traditional trade work is on the rise—and billion-dollar grocery giant Whole Foods Market is reviving artisan skilled apprenticeships. Every quarter, the company welcomes up to 300 staffers on its upskilling program‚ giving them a chance to swap working in the corporate head office or behind a till, for becoming a butcher. 'What began as a single program with just a few hundred participants has grown into a portfolio of seven specialized training tracks, with more on the way,' Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods, tells Fortune. 'This is just the beginning—we're building something that scales with our business and creates real, lasting career opportunities for our team members.' Workers can shift from working at a desk to pizza-making in just 13 weeks Since its launch in 2023, the program has collectively enrolled more than 1,300 of its employees, and recently added pizzaioli to its training offering. Other lines of speciality include fishmonger, meat butcher, bakery decorator, cheese professional, and produce professional. The shorter apprenticeships, like pizza-making, last 12 to 13 weeks, while more intensive training, like meat butchering, spans anywhere from six to 12 months. Oblisk says that employee wages are increased when they enter the program, with pay varying based on their previous salary and apprentice track—unlocking not only specialized skills, but a stronger career pathway. 'We're not only helping them, one, learn more about this area where they're deeply engaged and interested. Two, actually give them a credential,' Oblisk continues. 'I always say I want people to have a long career at Whole Foods and do whatever they want to do. But the reality is, we know people do leave, and so my hope is that I send everyone back into the world better than they came to me.' It could be a way for workers to even AI-proof themselves a little. After all, trade and artisan jobs are seen as safer from technological disruption compared to white-collar jobs like consulting or customer service. AI can't taste, touch, or smell the quality of artisanal cheeses—but certified cheese professionals can, and Whole Foods has trained more than 370 workers in the skill, making up more than a quarter of all these cheese artisans worldwide. 'Many of our alumni go on to advance their careers within the company, using their apprenticeship as a springboard,' Oblisk explains. 'This is more than training—it's a career accelerator.' The rise of apprenticeship and trade work in the era of AI Many Gen Z are ditching the college-to-office-job path as tuition skyrockets and AI continues to automate thousands of roles. About 78% of Americans even said that they have noticed a spike in young people turning to jobs like carpentry, electrical work and welding. Like all of Whole Foods' apprenticeship specialties, many of these AI-proof jobs require humans to work with their hands, whether that be going into truck driving, cooking, or nursing. Young people making that switch can make a pretty penny. People can enter technical fields of work, like surgical equipment sterilization, without a college degree, and earn up to $70,000 right off the bat. Typically, all that is required is a short training program—just like the apprenticeships at Whole Foods. Even Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison advises people to take up physical jobs, like electrician work, or manning a cash register, as AI comes for the corner offices. The retail giant also has its own program to support craft work, with Lowe's Foundation committing $50 million over the next five years to boost the training of 50,000 tradespeople. Ellison said it's an opportunity to revive vital speciality work, as there's currently a shortage of craftspeople. The same is true when it comes to Whole Foods' apprenticeships; specialized physical trades like fishmongering and bakery decorating can also be seen as AI-proof career paths. Oblisk says that the Whole Foods' apprenticeship program is a professional accelerator in the era of AI. 'Retail is a balance of art and science. AI is bringing incredible value in the form of efficiency, speed and precision to the science of retail,' she says. 'To complement this, programs like the [Whole Foods Market] apprenticeships remain critical to raising the bar on the art of retail…Apprenticeships are an accelerated career [driving] business results in the age of AI.' This story was originally featured on
RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Trades apprentice numbers down, workforce shortage warnings
Only half the normal number of people are enrolled in plumbing, gas-fitting and drainlaying apprenticeships, according to Master Plumbers. Photo: 123RF Enrollments in plumbing and electrical apprenticeships have fallen significantly according to sector leaders, who warn of a workforce shortage when the economy begins to recover. Master Plumbers says there are half the number of apprentice plumbers this year than in previous years, while Master Electricians say apprenticeship rates are at their lowest levels since 2011. The warning comes as a survey of builder sentiment out this morning finds 50 per cent of builders are operating at less than half capacity. A trade apprentice learns on the job with an employer. Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace, says the prolonged contraction in the construction sector is to blame, and jobs in Queensland ahead of the 2032 Olympics are luring qualified plumbers. He speaks with Kathryn, along with Master Electricians Chief Executive Alex Vranyac-Wheeler.
RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Could getting a plumber be tougher in future?
Only half the normal number of people are enrolled in plumbing, gas-fitting and drainlaying apprenticeships, according to Master Plumbers. Photo: 123RF Enrollments in plumbing and electrical apprenticeships have fallen significantly according to sector leaders, who warn of a workforce shortage when the economy begins to recover. Master Plumbers says there are half the number of apprentice plumbers this year than in previous years, while Master Electricians say apprenticeship rates are at their lowest levels since 2011. The warning comes as a survey of builder sentiment out this morning finds 50 per cent of builders are operating at less than half capacity. A trade apprentice learns on the job with an employer. Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace, says the prolonged contraction in the construction sector is to blame, and jobs in Queensland ahead of the 2032 Olympics are luring qualified plumbers. He speaks with Kathryn, along with Master Electricians Chief Executive Alex Vranyac-Wheeler.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Seven biggest employers for jobs without a degree and you could get paid up to £46k
LANDING a job with one of these employers could see you eventually earn nearly £10,000 more than the UK's average salary, and you don't even need a degree. Many job hunters are curious to know what their starting salary could be if they do not hold any qualifications. 2 A growing number of firms offer apprenticeships, to help young people to earn a wage while they work. But how much can you earn if you choose not to go down the University route? Research by hiring firm Adzuna, shared with The Sun, found Busy Bee Childcare pays its level three apprentices £262 a week. This works out at around £13,649.48 per year. The firm was named as one of the top 10 places to earn an apprenticeship, following research by the Department for Education and RateMyApprenticeship. Meanwhile, if you choose not to go down the apprenticeship route, entry level employees could also secure a role at the firm for £25,083. This includes jobs as a nursery practitioner and an integrations support coordinator, according to the research. And if you choose to progress your career at the childcare group, you could earn nearly £5,000 more than the average UK employee. Figures show a nursery manager at Busy Bee earns a yearly salary of £42,500. This is higher than the £37,430 the average UK employee is said to earn each year. Why are pubs closing? But it is unclear how long staff need to work at the firm before they can progress into a senior role. Meanwhile, Premier Inn owner Whitbread gives those looking for an entry-level job without a degree a chance to earn £11.79 an hour as a kitchen assistant. Grill chefs also have a chance to earn £12.74 per hour. That works out as an annual salary of £24,523 and £26,499 per year, respectively. But if you stay in the firm and work your way up the ladder you could earn up to £46,250 per year as a general manager. The chain was also rated as one of the top places to earn an apprenticeship in the UK, and offers schemes at its support centre and in hospitality. John Lewis, which was also named as a popular place to secure an apprenticeship, also has a range of schemes on offer. That includes a level three apprenticeship as a Vehicle Paint Technician. Staff are paid £12.45 per hour which would work out at £25,896 per year. That is around £2,000 more than what the average minimum wage worker earns a year. John Lewis is currently recruiting for candidates to start this August, so there is still a chance to apply if you or someone you know is interested. WHAT DO OTHER FIRMS OFFER? 2 Mitchells & Butlers runs a chef apprenticeship scheme which can help you earn up between £300 and £366 a week. You can also join with no qualification as a bar staff and earn £11.44 per hour, which works out as £23,000 per year. Logistics provider GXO lets apprentices earn £19,500 per year through its scheme. Meanwhile McDonald's pays its school leaver apprentices between £9.52 and £12.26 per hour through its crew member and manager apprenticeship schemes. Through this scheme, workers receive day-to-day training in a McDonald's restaurant. The above firms were also recognised as great places to secure an apprenticeship following research by the Department for Education. What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that combines on-the-job experience with classroom learning. Apprentices earn a wage while gaining practical skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, whether they are school leavers, career changers, or individuals looking to upskill. Applications can be made through the government's apprenticeship website or directly with employers offering apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships are funded by the government and employers, meaning there are no tuition fees for the apprentice. Additional support may be available for those with disabilities or learning difficulties. For more details, visit the official UK government apprenticeship website at
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Sales And AI—The New Power Couple?
AI is steering sales—but that only makes salespeople more important, not less. SAP Insights explains why. AI sales tools are changing how vendors offer products. So are human sales pros still needed? You betcha! The next SAP Insights newsletter explains. Salespeople in the time of AI: Sales is in the 'is AI going to take my job?' category. AI tools for sales are helping companies craft customized product plans—see: the rise of consumption-based pricing—to help customers get the most out of their investment. So, who needs people, right? Your customers do, that's who! They, too, love a good AI tool, but they also love a salesperson who they trust, who knows their company, and who gets them. Also in this edition: Hiring win/win: Companies that hire neurodivergent workers see some very positive results for their efforts. However, hiring from this talent pool can take a bit more thought. This group doesn't always do well with traditional recruiting methods, but there are other ways that companies can assess their skills that work just as well as the usual interviewing process. Youth quake: And speaking of hiring, the global population of young people is on track to grow, yet there hasn't really been a parallel effort to ensure that these youth have sufficient learning and career opportunities. Not everyone has access to higher education, so there's been renewed interest in other ways of providing training, such as apprenticeships. But are companies on board? Research That Hasn't Reached Your Inbox: In this issue, we've got the problems with risk-taking CFOs, hype cycles, and how to take advantage of employer review sites. Want the full stories? Make sure you never miss a biweekly SAP Insights newsletter. Sign up HERE.
