Asda launches a new initiative aimed at developing career skills among students, focusing on sustainability and diversity.
- The programme targets primary, secondary, and college students, encouraging participation from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Students engage with real-world projects like sustainability and vegan product development, mentored by Asda professionals.
- The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing food waste and inclusivity.
- Asda hopes to inspire interest in food industry careers while addressing planet-critical issues.
Asda has introduced a comprehensive school engagement initiative designed to equip students with essential career skills in the food industry. This programme spans primary, secondary, and college educational levels, focusing on a broad range of competencies in the supermarket and the broader food and beverage sector.
The engagement programme is piloting in ten educational institutions across West Yorkshire for the entire academic year. It is noteworthy that Asda is particularly encouraging pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate, enhancing inclusivity within the initiative.
Primary school pupils will explore sustainability issues including food waste and hunger, collaborating with Asda Community Champions to devise a project improving their local environments. Through these practical experiences, students learn about key environmental challenges and community engagement.
Secondary school students embark on a ‘concept to shelf’ journey, which involves developing a sustainable vegan product. This project helps them to discover various retail career paths while honing critical employability skills such as confidence, teamwork, public speaking, and analytical thinking.
In addition, college students face the challenge of addressing a real business problem related to equality, diversity, and inclusion in a competitive presentation setting. This task is designed to foster innovation and practical problem-solving experiences, supported by guidance from Asda’s mentoring staff.
Moreover, participants have opportunities to visit Asda’s headquarters, gaining first-hand exposure to departments like product development, merchandising, technology, and logistics. These experiences are instrumental in providing students with a clear understanding of possible career paths within the food industry.
As expressed by Hayley Tatum, Asda’s chief people and corporate affairs officer, the programme aims to provoke interest in critical global issues while highlighting career opportunities within Asda and the broader food and drink industry.
This initiative signifies a strategic effort by Asda to develop future industry talent while promoting essential environmental and social awareness.
