Sainsbury's has unveiled a new work experience scheme for 10,000 young Brits to address the 'urgent national challenge' of unemployed youths. The supermarket announced yesterday [August 25] that its new 'KickStarter' programme will begin next year across stores, offices and depots.
Scheme details and pathways
Around 10,000 people from ages 14 to 24 will have the chance to develop skills, build confidence and gain an insight into future careers. Sainsbury's says having more than one million 16-18-year-olds not in education, employment or training [NEET] is an 'urgent national challenge'.
Research shows 'meaningful engagement' with employers can reduce the risk of someone becoming a NEET by 80%. KickStarter is said to be a 'fresh take' on work experience placements and will give young people a series of 'real, hands-on experiences'.
The scheme will run down two pathways. The first is called KickStarter Explore and will be available to 14-18-year-olds. It is said to mix in-school learning and practical work experience to help young people develop confidence, workplace skills and understand what retail careers are available.
Second pathway and partnerships
The second is KickStarter Insights for 16–24-year-olds and is claimed to help people strengthen communication skills, prepare for interviews and applications. Participants will go on store tours, meet workers, and develop an understanding of logistics, technology and the chain that puts food on shelves.
KickStarter is said to sit alongside a separate pilot with The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), with a total of 10,000 places available.
Leaders' responses
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says it's 'great to see Sainsbury's stepping up' and encourages more businesses to do the same.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's chief executive, said: "Like so many of us, I started my working life at 16 and know first-hand how much getting that first job really matters. Few things matter more to us at Sainsbury's than helping young people get on that first rung on the career ladder."
"With a quarter of our colleagues under 25, we see every day how much their first job can change lives. Far too many young people are growing up in the UK today without access to meaningful work experience, often because they cannot find the right connections or network."
"With nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training, the scale of the challenge facing us has never been clearer. Our new work experience programme will create around 10,000 opportunities over the next year, reaching the young people who need them most in communities right across the UK and helping them build the confidence, skills and experience to take their first step into work."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "The youth unemployment crisis has been ignored for too long so this government is making it a top priority and bringing back hope. Last month we announced a shake-up of the education system, with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes."
"Now we are bringing employers, schools and colleges together to close the gap between classrooms and workplaces. It's great to see Sainsbury's stepping up with 10,000 opportunities a year to help young people build confidence, gain experience and get a foot in the door."
"I encourage more businesses across the country to do the same. Access to opportunity and work experience shouldn't depend on who you know, it should be within reach for every young person wherever they live and that's what I'm determined to deliver."
How to sign up
Schools are being encouraged to sign up to the KickStarter Explore programme by emailing Sainsburys@school-outreach.com and individuals should contact early.careers@sainsburys.co.uk. Advertising for events is said to begin next month with the first events said to be held in October.
