ASDA launches store apprenticeship scheme

The trial, which began in September, last year, will take 16 apprentices through a two year programme to become departmental store managers. The recruits from the Colindale, Wembley, Burgh Heath and Clapham stores will be the first to 'graduate' from the scheme, which will now roll out to further ASDA stores across the London area.

Welcoming the announcement at the start of the first ever National apprenticeships week, Skills minister, David Lammy said, "Apprenticeships are a key part of our drive to improve national skills levels, and to ensure that businesses and individuals realise their potential to develop and move forward. "I applaud ASDA fo r the efforts they are making in building a trained and qualified workforce, whilst offering a valuable opportunity for people across the UK to develop quality skills. I urge all employers to take advantage of the extra funding we have made to help them meet their skills needs, and come forward to make more high-quality Apprenticeship places available."

David Smith People Director for ASDA said, "These colleagues could be running their own department, looking after a team of colleagues and satisfying the demands of 40,000 customers within 12 months of training."

New research released today by the Learning and Skills Council shows the significant benefits apprenticeships programmes can bring to employers. 88 per cent believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.