What are the top 5 benefits of the Retail Graduate Scheme
Have you recently finished studying at university and wondering what the next step in your career is? If you have a passion for food, drink and amazing customer service then a spot on our established Retail Graduate scheme could be the step in the door you are looking for.
Our Retail Graduate Scheme is designed to help ambitious, people-focused individuals become the future leaders of our exciting businesses. Starting out as an Assistant Manager, you will gain the ultimate hands-on experience to guide you through to your first leadership opportunity. With 1,700 businesses across the UK to choose from, you can choose to work from a location that suits you, while access to development workshops and training opportunities will give you the skills you need to become a General Manager and lead your own team.
In this blog we will talk to one of our shining stars Marek – a current retail graduate, who will provide an insight into how the scheme has offered him the chance to progress from a team member to a senior manager within a couple of years.
Why I Chose the M&B Retail Graduate Scheme
I joined M&B as a front-of-house team member right after graduating, with no plans to pursue a career in hospitality. But I quickly realized the incredible career paths that M&B offers, with opportunities to progress from server to senior management. When my GM told me about the Graduate Scheme, I knew it was the perfect program for me.
What's So Great About the M&B Retail Graduate Scheme?
Firstly, you'll meet people who share your passion for hospitality and get great support from amazing team mates. But the real magic lies in the variety of roles and activities you'll try throughout the two-year program. You'll gain hands-on experience in everything from recruiting and scheduling shifts, to creating social media content and learning how to motivate your team. By the end of it, you'll have all the skills you need to be a future GM.
How the M&B Grad Scheme Will Shape My Career
I've learned so much more than I ever thought possible since joining the scheme. Yes, it can be intense and challenging, but the rewards are worth it. M&B values those who go the extra mile, and I've gained the confidence to pursue a career as a general manager once my journey is complete.
Advice for Students Considering the M&B Retail Graduate Scheme
My advice is simple: go for it! Once you're in, be curious, ask your GM and RBM for help, and seek guidance from the Learning & Development team. M&B's people are at the heart of the business, and their passion for helping their peers thrive is what makes us the UK hospitality leader. Don't ignore the guidance available to you - it's what will set you up for a successful career in hospitality management.
Apply for our Retail Graduate Scheme today!
If you like the idea of taking your leadership skills and using them to help a business thrive, we want to hear from you. Apply today and see where a future at M&B will take you!
Receive articles like this
Enter your email address and you will be registered to receive the latest content and insights produced by Company name, direct to your inbox. If you have selected a category or content type you will receive the latest insights from that area.
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
See what we’re all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Our valuesOur Stories
Teaser
Diversity and InclusionContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/03/2026
Summary
Ever wondered how a kitchen career can really take off? We caught up with James Chilongo, who started as a Chef back in 2007 and is now a Kitchen Investment Trainer at M&B. From working acro
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/02/2026
Summary
Think a chef job means staying in the kitchen forever? Think again. At M&B, your kitchen career could take you from cooking behind the scenes to leading an entire district. Just ask Anthony, who st
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/30/2026
Summary
Not every career starts with a master plan. Sometimes, it starts with a part-time job, a great team, and a moment where you think… this actually feels right. That’s exactly how Lauren’s hospital
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/30/2026
Summary
Many people think of a job in hospitality as a short-term gig, something to earn a bit of cash around other commitments. And sure, that’s true! But a career in hospitality is so much more than tha
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/19/2026
Summary
At M&B, hospitality management means running venues, leading teams, and keeping everything on track while making sure guests leave happy. There’s a range of roles to suit different lifestyles a
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/16/2026
Summary
Being a Head Chef at M&B is about running a high-energy, fast-paced environment where every decision shapes not only the dining experience for your guests, but also your team. We give you real
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/27/2025
Summary
If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about plating up something delicious, or you just love the buzz of a busy kitchen, then a part-time chef job might be exactly what you’re looking for.
by
Helen Osborn
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/22/2025
Summary
From buzzing pubs to vibrant bars and welcoming restaurants, 2025 has been a big one at Mitchells & Butlers. Across the UK, our teams have been busy opening new venues, winning industry awards, g
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/18/2025
Summary
When you walk into an M&B pub or restaurant in Glasgow, the first thing you might notice is the buzz of the dining area or the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen. But behind eve
by
Emily Seagrave