Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced a new traineeship program aimed at helping 1,000 young people aged 18 to 24 enter the job market, as youth unemployment is expected to rise to 18% by spring 2024. Over the next year-and-a-half, successful applicants will participate in a six-month training program focused on retail management and confidence building, ultimately leading to potential full-time positions within the company. M&S retail director Thinus Keeve emphasized the importance of retail as a career path that offers young individuals the chance to learn and grow quickly. Chief executive Stuart Machin shared his personal journey, noting how a Saturday job transformed his life and expressing concern over the current challenges facing young job seekers. The initiative comes as the British Chambers of Commerce predicts a rise in youth unemployment, with over 800,000 young people potentially unable to find work. The BCC has called for more proactive measures to address the issue, citing government policies that may hinder job creation for youth. M&S's existing Marks & Start scheme, which provides practical retail experience, has already shown an 80% success rate in securing jobs for participants.