Nando's has introduced its Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland, offering opportunities from Level 2 to Level 5, creating a comprehensive career pathway in the hospitality industry. Simultaneously, the company has rolled out its Level 5 apprenticeship in England, establishing a structured progression route from entry-level roles to the position of Managing Director.
The Level 5 ‘Pathway to Strategic Leadership’ apprenticeship, accredited by The Chartered Management Institute, offers Nando’s apprentices in England and Scotland a well-defined pathway for career growth and progression into management roles.
Level 2: Hospitality Hero – Open to individuals aged 16 and above, this 15-month program focuses on customer service, team leadership, and personal development. Participants gain hands-on experience by working alongside Nando’s seasoned team members in the restaurant setting.
Level 3: Pathway to Assistant Manager – Equivalent to A Levels, this apprenticeship provides specialised knowledge and skills to prepare participants for leadership roles.
Level 4: Pathway to Patrao (General Manager) – This 15-month program focuses on leadership skills, business strategy, and financial management. Equivalent to a foundation degree, Higher National Certificate (HNC), or Higher National Diploma (HND), it equips participants with the expertise needed to lead effectively.
Level 5: Pathway to Strategic Leadership – Accredited by The Chartered Management Institute.
The launch of Nando’s Apprenticeship Programme in Scotland this month expands opportunities to over 450 Nando’s restaurants nationwide. Already, 20 apprentices have joined the program in Scotland, with more than 20 enrolling in the Level 5 Pathway to Strategic Leadership programme 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 the introduction of its Apprenticeship Programme in England in 2017 and the launch of the Level 2 Hospitality Heroes programme in 2023, Nando’s has trained 350 apprentices across its restaurants and central support teams.
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 recognised 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.”
