Asda launches an initiative to foster career development within the food sector.
- The programme spans primary to college levels, targeting West Yorkshire schools.
- Participants will engage with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Projects range from community improvement to solving real-world business problems.
- Students gain skills like critical thinking and public speaking through hands-on experiences.
Asda is pioneering a school engagement scheme designed to equip students with essential career skills within the food and drink industry. The initiative, encompassing primary, secondary, and college levels, targets ten schools in West Yorkshire and aims to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each programme component aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on themes such as food waste, circular economy, and inclusivity.
For primary school participants, the focus lies in understanding sustainability challenges, such as tackling food waste and hunger. Students will collaborate with Asda’s Community Champions to devise a project aimed at enhancing their local community. This hands-on approach not only raises awareness but also actively involves children in meaningful community engagement.
Secondary school students will undertake a year-long ‘concept to shelf’ project. This task allows them to explore diverse careers that a retailer like Asda can offer, particularly highlighting the creation of a sustainable vegan product. Through this project, students develop critical employability skills, including confidence, teamwork, critical thinking, and public speaking. Students also gain first-hand exposure to Asda’s operations, with opportunities to visit head offices and learn about different facets like product development and distribution.
College students face a more complex challenge, involving the resolution of a genuine business problem concerning equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. This is presented in a format akin to Dragons’ Den, demanding robust analytical skills and innovative thinking. Mentorship from Asda staff and participation in Asda-led events further enrich this learning experience, providing insight into various business operations and mock assessment environments.
Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Hayley Tatum, stated, “Through this programme, we hope to encourage students to take a keen interest in the important issues facing our planet, while demonstrating the breadth of careers on offer at both Asda and within the wider food and drink industry.”
Asda’s initiative promises to equip students with critical skills and awareness, paving the way for a future in the food sector.
