Retail giant Asda is embarking on a pioneering educational initiative designed to empower students with career skills and promote community engagement. The trial of their comprehensive three-tiered school engagement programme commenced this academic year across ten schools and colleges in West Yorkshire. The programme spans primary, secondary, and college student groups, integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG content such as food waste, circular economy, and inclusivity.

Programme Breakdown

• Asda Heroes: Aimed at primary school pupils, this initiative focuses on sustainability issues such as food waste and hunger. With the guidance of local Asda Community Champions, children will explore how these issues affect their local community and will plan projects to make improvements.
• Asda Futures: Targeting secondary school students, this year-long initiative involves a “concept to shelf” project. Students will have the unique opportunity to delve into the various career paths within Asda, particularly through the development of a sustainable vegan product. This hands-on project helps students build essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, public speaking, and confidence. Moreover, participants will visit Asda's head office to gain insights into product development, merchandising, technology, and distribution.
• Asda Leaders: Directed at college students, this programme presents a real-life business problem revolving around industry-wide EDI and sustainability issues. The initiative concludes with a “Dragons Den” style presentation. Throughout the year, students receive mentorship from Asda professionals and engage in Asda-led events to understand different business functions, participate in mock assessments, and enrich their employability skills. Outstanding participants will have the chance to win a golden ticket to an Asda employability experience.

Corporate perspective

Hayley Tatum MBE, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasised the importance of the initiative. "Through this programme, we hope to encourage students to engage with the significant issues facing our planet, while demonstrating the breadth of career options available within Asda and the broader food and drink industry," Tatum noted.

Inclusive approach

The programme also focuses on inclusivity, specifically encouraging participation from students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By exposing all students to less obvious career paths within the food and drink industry, Asda aims to highlight opportunities that match their skill sets and inspire them to thrive.

Broader Sector Initiatives

This educational programme is among the latest efforts from the food and drink sector to draw new talent. It follows the #MMMakeYourMark campaign by IGD, which portrays the food and drink sector as an exciting and vibrant industry for careers.

Community support

In addition to educational programmes, Asda has demonstrably supported schools through various initiatives. Recently, it raised more than £2.5 million for UK primary schools over three weeks as part of its 'Cashpot for Schools' campaign. Launched at the beginning of this month, this initiative donates 0.5% of the value of any shop to a customer's chosen primary school when buying through Asda Rewards.

Conclusion

Asda’s new educational programmes represent a strategic effort to build future talent while addressing critical issues like sustainability and inclusivity. The integration of career skills into the educational journey of students in West Yorkshire marks an innovative approach towards community and professional development. As the programmes progress, they are expected to cultivate a well-rounded, socially-conscious and job-ready generation of students.

2024 Quality Food Awards Finalists

This year, Asda have been shortlisted for eight Quality Food Awards:

1. ASDA 4 Jalapeño Chilli Beef Quarter Pounders, ABP
2. ASDA Exceptional Chocolate Fudge Cake, Finsbury Food Group
3. ASDA Exceptional Ginger Coffee Latte Cake, Finsbury Food Group
4. ASDA Exceptional Victoria Sponge Cake, Finsbury Food Group
5. Asda Exceptional Chaat Masala Potato Salad
6. Asda Exceptional Moroccan Style Harissa Giant Couscous
7. Asda Exceptional Tabbouleh Salad
8. Asda Bistro Cream of Butternut Squash & Sage Soup, Greencore

Take a look at the full list of finalists here: https://uk.qualityfoodawards.com/QFA24/en/page/2024-shortlist

An evening of celebration and networking

Join us on Thursday 7 November 2024 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London for an evening of celebration and networking. We will be announcing all this year's Quality Food Award winners at this event and we would love for you to join us! 

Book your tickets here: https://uk.qualityfoodawards.com/QFA24/en/page/2024-awards-attendance