Nando’s has launched its Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland, opening applications for Level 2 to Level 5 apprenticeships to offer a full career pathway in the hospitality sector. This comes as Nando’s also launches its Level 5 apprenticeship in England, now offering a dedicated apprenticeship pathway from entry-level to Managing Director.
The Level 5 ‘Pathway to Strategic Leadership’ apprenticeship, which is certified by The Chartered Management Institute, provides Nando’s apprentices across England and Scotland with a clear development and career path to management.
Level 2: Hospitality Hero – Open to anyone over the age of 16, the 15-month syllabus includes training on customer service, team leadership, and personal development, while providing opportunities to learn alongside Nando’s experienced team members in-restaurant.
Level 3: Pathway to Assistant Manager – This apprenticeship offers more specialized knowledge and skills and is equal to A Levels.
Level 4: Pathway to Patrao (General Manager) – A 15-month program covering leadership skills and behaviors, business strategy, and financial management. This is equal to a foundation degree, a Higher National Certificate, or a Higher National Diploma.
Level 5: Pathway to Strategic Leadership – Certified by The Chartered Management Institute.
The launch of Nando’s Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland this month means that opportunities are now available across more than 450 Nando’s restaurants. Nando’s has already welcomed 20 apprentices onto the program in Scotland and over 20 apprentices onto the Level 5 Pathway to Strategic Leadership program across Scotland and England in this cohort alone.
William Smart, Patrao (General Manager) of Nando’s Bath, Kingsmead and Level 5 Apprentice, said: “I’ve always enjoyed my job and wanted to get the most out of it. I’ve worked at Nando’s for over five years, joining as a team member and now recently promoted to Patrao (General Manager) running my own restaurant. My apprenticeship most certainly helped me on this journey, it provided opportunities to develop my leadership skills, meet new people, and build confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Since launching its Apprenticeship Programme in England in 2017 and having launched its Hospitality Heros Level 2 program in 2023, Nando’s has trained 350 apprentices across its restaurants and central support.
Maria Horn, Chief People Officer at Nando’s, said: “At Nando’s we’re passionate about our people and championing rewarding careers in the hospitality sector. Our training and development standards are recognized as industry-leading in creating a clear career path and equipping people with the skills they need to get into, or back to, work.
“Introducing the Nando’s Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland brings this opportunity to even more future Nandocas across the UK and, together with the launch of our Level 5 Apprenticeship Programme in England, marks the next step in our investment in hospitality careers. We look forward to helping more Nandocas to rise up all the way from Level 2 to management level.”
