Asda has announced a new apprenticeship programme offering 16 young adults permanent roles across eight of its stores, including two in Greater Manchester. The scheme, named 'Asda Roots', is designed to help tackle the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs).
The programme will initially provide 16 permanent positions, with plans to recruit 250 more apprentices in 2027. Stores involved are located across the UK, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and the West Midlands, with Asda's Longsight and Shaw, Oldham, supermarkets in Greater Manchester taking part.
Programme Details and Eligibility
The scheme is aimed at young adults aged 18 to 21 who are not currently in employment, education or training. It combines permanent paid employment with structured on-the-job learning, allowing apprentices to work towards a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, equivalent to five GCSEs.
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."
Goodman added: "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."
Government Partnership and Support
The Asda Roots programme is being rolled out through the Government's flagship Foundation Apprenticeship programme, developed in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Inspiro Learning.
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."
Full List of Asda Stores Offering Apprenticeships
The eight stores offering apprenticeships are: Fleetwood, Birkenhead, Longsight, Shaw (Oldham), Watford, Dewsbury, Slough, and Barnes Hill.
