Popeyes launches in-house university and apprenticeship programme to develop talent across UK and Ireland

US restaurant chain Popeyes has launched Popeyes University, an in-house learning and development platform designed to embed a culture of continuous learning across its head office and restaurant teams, as the business scales to more than 110 UK locations and approximately 3,500 employees. The initiative carries direct relevance for HR and people management professionals in the hospitality and retail sectors developing structured internal talent pipelines.

HR Grapevine reported that at the core of the new platform is the Louisiana Ladder, a structured development pathway designed to support colleagues in progressing from entry-level roles to operations manager careers, providing clear, staged advancement opportunities across the business.

Alongside the university launch, Popeyes has introduced Brass Roots, a new apprenticeship programme offering nationally recognised Level 3 and Level 4 hospitality qualifications. The company has committed to taking on 25 apprentices through 2026, with six already enrolled.

Matt Hudson, chief people officer at Popeyes UK, said: "Popeyes University is the next step in that journey. It's about giving our 'joy creators' clear pathways to grow, develop new skills and build long-term careers with us."

Hudson added that as the business continues to expand, creating opportunities for people and developing the next generation of operational talent will remain a key strategic focus.

For the first time, Popeyes will also participate in the UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme between July and September 2026, offering paid pre-employment training and five-week work placements to prepare young people for future employment.

Popeyes has been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 and included in the World's Happiest Workplaces Award list for 2026. Further expansion across the UK and Ireland is planned through the remainder of 2026.

Access the full Popeyes University and apprenticeship announcement.