The leading retailer is encouraging disappointed students to be inspired by Tesco’s schoolboy star, retail director, David Potts.

David Potts left school at 16 and joined Tesco. He was promoted to store manager by the age of 23 and now, at 46, is Retail Director, responsible for all 780 stores across the UK. David offers inspiration to other young people to reach for the stars regardless of what age they leave full-time education.

David Potts said: "We welcome bright young people who get a buzz out of working as part of a fast-paced and diverse team. Through our highly successful Talent Spotting scheme we ensure that young talent is nurtured and rewarded."

"It’s not the end of the world if you didn’t get the exam results that you were hoping for."

Tesco offers all employees a competitive salary and an unrivalled benefits package. With its successful Talent Spotting programme, the company offers enthusiastic school-leavers the chance to rise quickly through the ranks.

Miles Olding left school at 16 after doing his O-levels. At 39, Miles has worked his way up through the ranks to become a senior store manager. He began serving doughnuts and now he manages a busy store in Edmonton, North London.

Miles says: "I enjoy working for a company that recognises talent and commitment at every level. In fact I enjoy it so much, I have been at Tesco for 22 years!"

Another good example of a fresh-out-of-school high-flier is 24 year-old Bristonian Jonathan Phillips. Jonathan joined Tesco at 18 after completing his A-levels and has worked his way up the ranks to his first managerial position earlier this year aged just 24.

Jonathan explains: "Joining Tesco at 18, I quickly realised that retail was for me. I received excellent support and training and was delighted to be promoted recently. I now have my sights set on a senior management position, so watch this space!"

Notes to editors

1 Tesco is the UK’s largest private sector employer with over 220,000 employees (Worldwide Tesco employs 296,000). 2 Tesco provides a market leading benefits package including Save As You Earn scheme (SAYE), Shares in Success, Buy As You Earn scheme (BAYE), the award winning defined benefit pension scheme called Pension Builder and staff discount cards.