In no time, I had started a Level 4 Retail Management Apprenticeship, where I am supported to study and learn alongside my job. I spend 6 hours each week working through online learning, writing essays, gaining advice through 1-2-1 coaching sessions, and chatting with managers in my branch about discussion points around products and team building.

One of my favourite parts of the course has been learning all about how the Welcome Desk in our shops operates and everything that goes into giving great service for our customers.

Through the John Lewis Partnership, I have completed training to become a qualified Mentor for other Partners in our business. Supporting people to grow in confidence and become the best version of themselves is something I care deeply about. I’ve always believed that creating genuine connection starts with openness. Sharing my own experiences and being vulnerable where it matters helps create space for others to feel comfortable doing the same.

Sarah-Jane’s Story

Hi, I am Sarah-Jane and I have worked in the Partnership since 2009. I started off as a part-time student on the fresh replenishment section. Then, some years later, I moved over onto the Fruit & Veg section of the shop where I received a full-time contract and was later signed off as a Fruit & Veg Specialist.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been passionate about fruit and veg. I’ve always found it very interesting on where produce comes from and how it grows, as well as all the different types there are!

My role involves stock replenishment, sharing my passion for food with our customers and other Partners. I make sure we have the right stock in at the right time, as well as maintaining eye-catching standards throughout the day.

It’s hard, heavy work, but I do adore what I do in branch.

Working for the Partnership has really helped my self-confidence. Believe it or not, in the early days I was shy! Luckily, my managers and my fellow Partners have helped me to overcome this.

My favourite thing about working here is all the people you meet along the way. From our customers, to fellow Partners and our Maintenance team.

Nequa’s Story

My Partner journey has been short and sweet. I joined Waitrose about 4-months ago after working for 8-years in another retailer. I joined as a Team Manager with a 12-week protected training programme to set me up for success!

I spent the first 6-weeks at the Wimbledon Hill store, and the latter half in Putney which is a larger shop. Once I completed my training I was then appointed to my permanent location in Waitrose Surbiton!

The Partnership’s D&I team identified the lack of ethnic, young and female voices in retail management and prior to my joining, already had a programme dedicated to finding out why, what the struggles and inhibitors can be, and most importantly to look toward changing that.

Other employers often have great intention in supporting their staff but can fall short in the execution. However, in the Partnership, it is embedded into the culture. They go above and beyond their legal obligations. I was stunned to learn about the long-leave that is offered to Partners after their 25th year of service.

The Partnership makes a real open investment into all its Partners. Not just at work, where it’s woven into the policies; but also in our day-to-day lives outside of work. When you look at the Partner Choice hub (our benefits website) and all the activities and clubs they offer (which as an avid crafter and DIY-er I was ecstatic to have others to share my passions with) it really feels like a community.

There are also a variety of support networks which offer a place for like minded people and allies to the causes. The Unity network is where I heard about the opportunity to share my Partner story and I jumped at the chance to give others who are thinking about joining the Partnership some insight.

Swati’s Story

Hello! My name is Swati, a Product Engineer in the Waitrose Digital team at John Lewis Partnership, specialising in quality. I started my journey in the Partnership with John Lewis 11-months ago. In my role, I focus on creating seamless and innovative digital experiences for our customers, while ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of quality.

What I appreciate most about working for the Partnership is the sense of ownership and purpose it brings. As a Partner, I am not just an employee; I am a co-owner of the business, which means my voice matters. This culture empowers me to innovate, take initiative, and feel deeply connected to the organisation’s success.

My journey at the John Lewis Partnership has only just begun, but the experiences I have had in these first few months have been nothing short of inspiring. I hope sharing my story encourages others to join such an organisation where innovation, collaboration and purpose come together to create something truly special.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find their happier ways of working. Find out more about our commitment to our Partners, their careers and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest of our careers website.

Paolo’s Story

I strongly believe in Partnership’s values, its commitment to democracy and fair treatment of all.

I am a foreign national and member of the LGBTQ+ community so I understand the importance of visibility and representation having overcome my own challenges in the past.

Matt’s Story

I joined the Partnership 2.5 years ago as Category Lead within our Technology business. The thing that stood out straight away was the culture, where every voice is listened to and everyone is treated with the utmost respect.

When considering options for parental leave I was very fortunate to have a manager who had just had a baby and role modelled a healthy work-life balance. This made me feel comfortable in participating in the Partnership’s equal parenthood leave policy and taking 6-months off for the birth of my first-born.

Seb’s Story

I joined John Lewis after my A- levels and was happy to travel around the country working in different branches as I furthered my career. After many enjoyable years I was delighted to achieve my ambition of leading my own shop.

Our Equal Parenthood leave policy allowed me to have 14-weeks to be with my family! I knew that the policy was there, but honestly, I wasn’t sure that it would apply to my role. My manager was fully supportive and encouraged me to take it without feeling any ‘guilt’ while I was away being a Dad.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find happier way of working, like Matt and Seb. Find out more about our purpose and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest our careers website.