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

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 have 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+, Women at Tesco and Parent & Carers) that support colleagues to bring their whole selves to work.

Colleague sat in armchair chatting

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 01635 888361 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.

 

Colleague sat at the checkout

Hints and tips

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

Here are our Tesco Leadership behaviours.  The video interview focuses on these behaviours so have a think about them before hand and try to think of some examples.

 

Collaboration

- Working as a team to share in joint success

- Partnering/connection with others

 

Resilience

- Looking after yourself so you can be at your best

- Knowing how to respond when things get tough

- Making the choices to see the positives around you

 

Innovation

- Being open to new ideas

- Looking ahead and welcoming the future

- Taking little steps that make a big difference

 

Empathy

- Putting people first

- Taking time to see, hear and recognise others

- Building authentic, trusted and helpful relationships

 

Responsiveness

- Thinking on your feet, making decisions even if the answer isn’t clear cut

- Being brave, taking a measured risk and learning from its outcome

- Embracing the challenges of an unpredictable world

- Commercial Awareness

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 Prince'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@ambertrack.co.uk or call 01635 888361 to chat through the details further.