Asda opens new route into permanent employment for young people

Asda is piloting a new foundation apprenticeship programme for young people not currently in employment, education or training (NEET)
‘Asda Roots’ will initially offer 16 young people permanent roles across 8 stores
Participants will gain a recognised qualification alongside paid employment, mentoring and life skills support

Asda has today launched Asda Roots - a new apprenticeship programme that gives young people not currently in work or education a permanent job, combined with training and a recognised qualification.

The Asda Roots programme will initially welcome 16 young people into roles across 8 stores, with plans to take on more recruits next year. The programme combines permanent paid employment with structured on-the-job learning, allowing participants to earn while they work towards a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, equivalent to five GCSEs.

Aimed at 18 to 21-year-olds who are not currently in employment, education or training (NEET), Asda Roots will be delivered through the Government's flagship Foundation Apprenticeship programme and has been developed in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Inspiro Learning.

The programme forms part of Asda’s wider commitment to creating opportunities for young people and helping more people access meaningful, long-term employment.

James Goodman, Chief People Officer at Asda, said: "Too many young people are held back because they haven't had the opportunity to gain the skills and experience employers look for. Asda Roots aims to break that cycle by combining a permanent job with training, mentoring and a recognised qualification.

We want to give young people the opportunity to earn, learn and develop the skills they need to succeed. Many retail leaders started their careers on the shop floor, and we're excited to help the next generation take their first step with Asda."

Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith said: "Too often, young people's futures are shaped by circumstances beyond their control, and we are determined to change that.

“It's brilliant to see Asda providing new opportunities for young people out of work and education and helping them kickstart their career.

"It comes alongside our reforms to deliver 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people because everyone deserves the chance to earn, learn and build a career, no matter where they start."

The pilot gave young people referred by the DWP the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience and take part in a guaranteed interview. Candidates who were not selected for Asda Roots were also considered for seasonal roles where suitable vacancies were available.

Those who demonstrate strong potential will also have opportunities to continue their development through further apprenticeships and career progression across the business.

In addition to workplace experience, apprentices will receive dedicated mentoring, financial literacy training and practical life skills support designed to help them thrive both in and outside of work.

Asda currently supports around 600 apprentices across its business and plans for Asda Roots to become an important pathway for attracting and developing the next generation of retail talent.

The launch builds on Asda's wider commitment to helping more young people into work. Last month, the retailer announced a significant expansion of its supported internship programme in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, creating opportunities for more than 200 young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across 35 stores.

Apprentices will start in the following stores:

Fleetwood
Birkenhead
Longsight
Shaw, Oldham
Watford
Dewsbury
Slough
Barnes Hill