Asda has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping students with vital career skills and showcasing opportunities within the food industry.
- This pioneering programme targets students from primary to college level, fostering community engagement and vocational development.
- Programmes align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on themes like sustainability, inclusivity, and food waste.
- Students will engage in practical projects, from developing sustainable products to solving industry-specific problems.
- Through mentorship and real-world business challenges, pupils will gain valuable insights into career paths at Asda and beyond.
Asda is implementing a three-tiered educational programme that spans the entire academic year, targeting primary, secondary, and college students in West Yorkshire. The central aim is to develop essential career skills while exposing students to the myriad of career possibilities within the supermarket chain and the broader food and drink sector.
The initiative, particularly emphasised for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, encourages participation in community engagement activities. Primary school participants will delve into sustainability issues such as food waste and hunger, collaborating with Asda Community Champions. They will plan community-improvement projects that address these challenges, providing a hands-on learning experience that aligns with real-world applications.
Secondary school students will embark on a year-long ‘concept to shelf’ project. This involves exploring various retail career options, with a special focus on creating a sustainable vegan product. Throughout this process, students will cultivate essential employability skills including teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking. Additionally, they will visit Asda’s head office to gain insights into product development and other operational areas.
College students will be challenged to solve a real-life business problem related to equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. They will present their solutions in a format akin to a Dragons’ Den pitch. This component of the programme not only enhances problem-solving abilities but also allows students to experience business evaluations and presentations firsthand.
Mentorship from Asda’s colleagues is an integral part of the programme, offering students a unique perspective on different business functions. This engagement includes attending events, participating in mock assessments, and undertaking employability exercises. Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, stated that the initiative aims to inspire students to engage with critical global issues while highlighting career opportunities at Asda and in the food industry.
This initiative positions Asda as a forward-thinking entity in developing career-ready individuals equipped to address pressing global challenges.
