Fresh skills, qualifications and a new confidence are just some of the benefits of a retail apprenticeship – and age is no barrier to seizing the opportunity

At 65, Rosemarie has never found age an issue. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting the theatre, art galleries and going travelling. “I’m hoping to go up in a hot air balloon next year and I’m off to the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf soon. I like going and trying new things. On my days off, I prefer to hop on a train and visit new places rather than sit at home twiddling my thumbs.”

Rosemarie has brought this same energy to working at Tesco. “Times have changed. Years ago, at 65, you used to be looking at slowing down, but now there are quite a few older people working in-store. I’m not the oldest one here! There’s a good, broad range of ages; I like that about it, age is irrelevant.” In fact, she’s found, the spread of ages brings different knowledge and skill sets. “I know the ingredients for things, which my younger colleagues don’t, and the difference between products like washing soda and baking soda. And when I’m not familiar with a newer product, I go to them. It’s a two-way flow of information.”