Careers

Stronger Starts application process

When applying for our apprenticeship programme there are four steps to the application process.

We recruit on a rolling basis, which means roles will be filled on a first come first served approach, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We want you to make the best of your application, so before you get started, read through the hints and tips section below to help answer any questions you may have.

Let's begin

Step 1 - Online application

We want to make the process as straightforward as possible. The first thing you'll need to do is read through the information about the apprenticeship programme and make sure it's right for you.

Before hitting the apply button make sure the device you're applying on has connection to the internet, microphone and camera access. If you don't have these available let us know by calling 0207 654 7212 or sending us an email

When answering any of our questions during the application stage, please carefully read the guidance notes shown next to the question you're being asked. You'll be asked whether you have a disability or long-term health condition so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application.

Step 2 - Video interview assessment

We’ll ask you to record your responses to a variety of questions linking to our Tesco Leadership behaviours. To help you prepare we’ve detailed these behaviours in our hints and tips section below.

Our video interviews are manually reviewed and applicants that pass the recommended score will move to the next stage. As a member of the team will be manually reviewing your video interview this may lead to a slight delay in receiving your feedback.

Once you've accessed the interview platform, you can ask for reasonable adjustments. Or you can email us or call 0207 654 7212 to chat through any support you need.

Step 3 - Virtual Discovery Centre

The final stage is a Virtual Discovery Centre. The day has been designed for you to learn more about Tesco as well as finding out more about the programme you've applied for and the support you'll receive.

The day will be a half day session that will consist of you taking part in a couple of activities along with helping you learn more about the work we do.

The first activity will be an interview to talk about why you're interested in Tesco and the apprenticeship, and the second activity will include you being given a problem-solving task which you'll talk through.

We'll help all invited candidates to understand what to expect on the day by holding a group coaching call the week before. You'll have the opportunity to invite a parent, carer or teacher with you to this call which will be held via Microsoft Teams.

If you've requested reasonable adjustments, we'll contact you to discuss your individual needs ahead of the day. If you need any support and haven't yet asked for this, you can email us or call 0207 654 7212 to chat through any support you need.

Step 4 - Outcomes

After you’ve taken part in our Virtual Discovery Centre, we'll let you know whether you’ve been successful. You'll receive a phone call providing you with feedback whatever the outcome, which will be followed up with a written feedback report. In addition, you'll also be able to get further support from the Prince's Trust.

We value your time and interest in Tesco and by providing you with in-depth feedback we hope that this will help you on your career path, wherever that may take you.

Step 1 - Online application

We want to make the process as straightforward as possible. The first thing you'll need to do is read through the information about the apprenticeship programme and make sure it's right for you.

Step 2 - Video interview assessment

Once you've accessed the interview platform, you can ask for reasonable adjustments. Or you can email us or call 0207 654 7212 to chat through any support you need.

Step 3 - Virtual Discovery Centre

The day will be a half day session that will consist of you taking part in a couple of activities along with helping you learn more about the work we do.

Candidates on a teams virtual discovery centre day

Step 4 - Outcomes

We value your time and interest in Tesco and by providing you with in-depth feedback we hope that this will help you on your career path, wherever that may take you.

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Diversity and inclusion

At Tesco, inclusion means that Everyone’s Welcome. Everyone is treated fairly and with respect; by valuing diversity, individuality and uniqueness we create a sense of belonging.

Diversity and inclusion has always been at the heart of Tesco. It is embedded in our values: we treat people how they want to be treated. We always want our colleagues to feel they can be themselves at work and we're committed to helping them be at their best.

Across the Tesco Group we are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

To support this ambition, we have inclusion training so all colleagues can play a part in creating and nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. We also have six colleague networks (Armed Forces, Race & Ethnicity, Disability, LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Parent & Carers) that support colleagues to bring their whole selves to work.

Diversity and inclusion in recruitment

Here at Tesco we celebrate diversity; whoever you are, wherever you work, and whatever you do, everyone’s welcome. We’re all unique in ways you can and cannot see. We aim to attract, develop, and nurture talent wherever it exists, and build great teams which reflect our local communities so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities.

Our online digital recruitment process removes the potential for unconscious bias and our process remains fair and consistent throughout.

If you need any support or adaptations during our process and would like to have a conversation about reasonable adjustments that we can offer you, all you need to do is let us know in good time so that we can offer you the right support and you can be at your best. You can email us or call us on 0207 654 7212 to chat about the details further.

If you’d like to access the information on this website in the way that suits you best, you can use the accessibility toolbar to make adjustments.

Hints and tips

Please find below some hints and tips to help you make the best of your application.

Our behaviours help us do our best work and enjoy an environment where everyone feels supported. The video interview focuses on these behaviours so have a think about them before hand and try to think of some examples.

Believe in each other

We’re all about building an environment of trust. Trust in each other’s expertise and in our colleagues to collaborate and deliver. That's why we support our leaders to give their teams freedom to choose the best paths to reach our goals.

Stay curious

No matter who you are, there’s always room to learn and grow. Whether that's knowledge and skills or gaining perspectives and insights from your colleagues, everyone's voice is heard.

Be brave

We believe that taking risks leads to innovation. Our colleagues feel confident to test, fail and learn. It's about progress, not perfection. Being brave also means standing up for what's right and we're here to listen and create a safe environment for all colleagues.

Live 20/80

We achieve our goals by focusing our efforts on the actions that matter most. We prioritise 20% of the tasks that really make a difference. Freeing up time to explore new and exciting things that add even more value to our business and customers.

Make sure you answer all of the questions on the online application as accurately as possible. You'll need to make sure you've completed all of the details and make sure to check that your contact number and email address is correct so that we can contact you.

You'll only able to apply for the Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship so please make sure you’re happy with the programme you’re applying for.

We welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work in the UK. For both temporary and permanent roles, you'll be asked to provide evidence of your right to work during the early stages of the application process, and you must maintain and be able to demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment. Please note that Tesco are unable to sponsor any candidates for apprenticeship and graduate roles as the Home Office's eligibility criteria will not be satisfied.

We understand that a video interview may not be the most comfortable thing for some of you and know it can be difficult to be yourself in front of a camera. It’s important that you:

- Find a quiet place that's free of distractions

- Relax and take your time before answering the questions

- Have your notes to hand, it’s ok to refer to them

- Get the right lighting, camera position and background

- Speak slowly and clearly, this will help keep your nerves in check and your answers clear and concise

- Look at the camera rather than the screen as this will help

- Go through the practice questions ahead of time so that you know what the process feels like, these questions will not be assessed

We understand that a Virtual Discovery Centre may be new to you. To help set you up for success we'll be providing you with an opportunity to attend a coaching session to help understand what to expect on the day.

Our Virtual Discovery Centre has been designed with you in mind. This will enable you to relax and show us the best version of you.

This day is a two-way process; it will allow you the opportunity to get involved with some of the great innovations we have here whilst meeting our business leaders. You'll have the opportunity to hear from The King's Trust, Lifetime Training and a Tesco representative to learn more about the programme and the support that'll be provided to you.

Prior to your Virtual Discovery Centre we'll provide you with an overview of the day and some light reading. It’s important that you understand your motivations for joining the programme, plus don't forget to read the questions you'll be asked ahead.

During the day you'll be asked to take part in two exercises on the day, the first will be an interview to talk about why you're interested in Tesco and the apprenticeship, and the second activity will include you being given a problem-solving task which you'll talk through.

To help set you up for success, if you need any reasonable adjustments for the Virtual Discovery Centre please respond to the invite letting us know what reasonable adjustments you need. Alternatively a colleague from the recruitment team will be happy to talk through your requirements with you to help put your mind at ease. If you would like for a parent, carer or teacher to come to the introductory part of the Virtual Discovery Centre, they're welcome to join, however you must share with them the call details ahead of the Discovery Centre.

After the Virtual Discovery Centre, a member of the team will call you to give you your feedback and the outcome from the day. The feedback will be captured throughout the Virtual Discovery Centre and is provided to help you to reflect on any key messages and how you might use them in the future.

Remember it's a two-way process. You’ll be at the Virtual Discovery Centre to identify if Tesco is the right company for you, and that it aligns with your passions and values, as well as us assessing your suitability to the programme. Throughout the day we’ll want to see your passion and motivation, so it’s important to take your time in answering the questions. If you're unclear about any questions you're asked, then ask for clarification. Don’t panic if there’s a short silence whilst you're thinking of your response. Use the day to learn about yourself, reflect on any key messages and how you might use them going forward.

If you have a disability and/or long term health condition, please let us know so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You can reach us at TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com or call 0207 654 7212 to chat through the details further.

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