Asda makes school engagement programme virtual to help kids find careers in retail

Asda has previously limited the programme to children in Yorkshire, with more than 500 across nearly 50 schools previously taking part

Asda is rolling out its school engagement programme nationwide for the first time, after making the programme virtual.

Now in its third year, the outreach course is designed to help young people explore potential careers in retail, as well as encouraging them to get involved in their local communities.

The programme has previously been limited to school children in Asda’s Yorkshire heartland, where more than 500 students from nearly 50 schools have participated over the past two years.

Now Asda wants to make the classes available to all schoolchildren across the UK, and has made the programme virtual, with the launch of a new online platform.

From September, teachers at enrolled schools will be able to access lesson plans, slide decks and activities. The modules are focused on helping students to develop key employability skills, learn how to work in teams and build their confidence.

Students will also learn to tackle “real world sustainability challenges” aligned to Asda’s own ESG priorities. Asda will also provide additional support in the form of mock interviews and employability workshops.

Kids will tackle ESG challenges

The learning is structured around two strands.

Asda Heroes is targeted at primary school aged kids or those with special educational needs or disabilities. They will learn key skills like public speaking, and get involved in projects to help their local community.

Meanwhile, Asda Leaders is aimed at year 10 and 12 students, and will see them take on ESG challenges, with mentoring from Asda colleagues. It will culminate in a final “Dragons’ Den” style presentation.

“After two successful years working with schools across Yorkshire, we’re incredibly proud to be taking our school engagement programme to a national level,” said Emma Brough, Asda director of learning.

“This programme is designed to showcase hidden careers within retail and give students practical skills they can carry into their future careers,” she said.

“By introducing a virtual offer, we’re giving even more young people access to meaningful learning experiences that they can apply to their local communities and future careers,” Brough added.

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