NEETS: Asda launches new apprenticeship programme with plans for 250 recruits
Supermarket chain Asda has launched a new apprenticeship programme aiming to give young people not currently in work or education a permanent job, as well as training and a recognised qualification.
The Asda Roots programme will initially welcome 16 young people into roles across eight stores, with plans to take on 250 more recruits in 2027.
The programme combines permanent paid employment with on-the-job learning, allowing participants to earn while they work towards a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, equivalent to five GCSEs.
The launch of the scheme comes ahead of a major review into the issue of youth unemployment set to be published next month.
Undertaken by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, the review will look into the issue of young people who are not in education, employment or training, or NEET.
Speaking on the new Asda scheme, 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."
Aimed at 18 to 21-year-olds who are “NEET”, Asda Roots will be delivered through the Government's Foundation Apprenticeship programme. The scheme has been 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."
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham earlier this week described the scale of youth unemployment as an “economic catastrophe and a moral failure”.
Almost a million 16 to 24-year-olds are reported to be neither earning nor learning.
Recently released Press Association analysis revealed teenagers and young adults make up nearly one in three people who have recently started claiming disability benefits for anxiety disorders.
Writing in The Times in response to the analysis, Mr Burnham said the state must provide a “safety net” but there had to be a “fundamental change in the way the Government and society support young people”.
“We face a choice. We either invest in the success of our young people or pay for failure through the benefits system,” he said.