Circles UK & Ireland Invests in the Future with New Front of House Apprenticeship Programme
Pictured: From left to right: Lisa Brooker, Circles Training Manager; Jess Bussey, Apprentice; Katie Stewart, Apprentice; and Paul Nuechterlein, Sodexo National Apprenticeship Lead.
Following its recent recognition as a Great Place to Work and its inclusion in the Best Workplaces for Development list, Circles UK & Ireland has announced the latest step in its commitment to people: the launch of a new Front of House apprenticeship initiative.
This programme, delivered in partnership with LDN Apprenticeships, represents a strategic investment in "new-to-industry" talent. By creating a structured 15-month pathway, Circles is providing a gateway for individuals entering the corporate world, offering a unique first step into a professional career.
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering Level 3 Business Administrator qualifications alongside hands-on experience across the company’s London sites. The first cohort of apprentices is already undergoing an immersive onboarding process, supported by Circles' Training Manager and dedicated LDN coaches.
For Circles, the initiative is about more than filling roles; it is about shaping the future of service excellence. Lisa Brooker, Training Manager for Circles, explained the strategic motivation behind the move:
“Our model is dynamic, mobile, and highly guest-focused. Apprenticeships offer us the opportunity to bring in eager talent and teach them the ‘Circles way’ from day one. It’s a cornerstone of our future talent strategy, ensuring we remain a forward-thinking, people-centred service provider.”
Innovation through Social Responsibility
As part of the Sodexo Group, this initiative reflects shared values of social responsibility and inclusion. By offering accredited qualifications and a clear path to permanent roles, Circles is working to ensure that every employee - regardless of their starting point - has the opportunity to thrive and grow within the organisation.
The presence of apprentices across client sites reinforces Circles’ reputation for innovation. Clients value this investment in the next generation, while apprentices gain invaluable exposure to high-touch, proactive service environments that prepare them for long-term careers.
A Path to Leadership
Long-term success for this programme focuses on retention and progression. The goal is to transition apprentices into permanent Front of House Ambassador roles, creating a talent pipeline for future supervisory and management positions within Circles and the wider Sodexo Group.
The company looks forward to seeing the positive impact this new generation of talent will have on the service provided to its clients.
About Circles
Circles, a Sodexo company, is a global leader in workplace hospitality and employee experience services. They partner with organisations around the world to create seamless, personalised experiences that elevate every moment of an employee’s and guest’s day. Through concierge, community management, and guest services, Circles helps companies foster connection and strengthen culture. Learn more at www.circles.com.
About Sodexo UK and Ireland
In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs around 30,000 people and partners with public and private sector clients across many markets including business, government, education, and healthcare. Sodexo is a purposeful business built on the principles of creating a better everyday for its colleagues, the people it serves, and the communities in which it operates.
