Asda’s Andy Clarke is concerned about unemployment and has pledged to tackle it head on, but what are all the big four grocers doing about this issue?

Why have job opportunities moved up the agenda?

Asda chief operating officer Andy Clarke said last week that more needs to be done to encourage young people, and the long-term unemployed back to work.

What is Asda going to do about it? 

It has launched a three-year campaign to target young people (under 25s) as well as the long-term unemployed.

Asda also already runs a graduate scheme. The stores programme is flexible to accommodate staff with different experience levels, allowing scope to fast-track.

What about the other big four grocers?

Sainsbury’s apprentices study for an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 in Retail (equivalent to 5 GCSEs A* to C), learning key skills in English and Maths and studying for a Retail Technical Certificate. The scheme started with programmes in meat, fish and bakery and for 2009/10 expanded to include pharmacy, and beer, wine and spirits.

Sainsbury’s graduate programme comprises 13 schemes, the largest of which is the retail scheme that offers the opportunity to become a deputy store manager in two years.

And Morrisons? 

Morrisons has its own Food Academy, which aims to train 100,000 people to NVQ Level 2 by 2011. About 500 apprentices have been trained this year, with the majority being in the
18 to 24-year-old group.

The grocer also has a bakery, butchery and fishmonger craft skills apprentice programme.

Morrisons also runs a Management Development Initiative to train managers. It also runs a graduate recruitment programme for manufacturing, logistics and roles in head office.

And Tesco?

Tesco’s Retail Apprenticeships are one-year courses, with qualifications awarded by City & Guilds.

The apprenticeship is made up of three parts: key skills, NVQ and Technical Certificate. The NVQ in Retail Level 2 delivers on the job training to consolidate practical skills and knowledge of retail.
The Tesco trainee management programme is a one-year scheme. Starting as a team leader, staff work up to line management, then a full management position. To qualify for the scheme, applicants need GCSEs in English and Maths (grade C or above), and 180 UCAS points.

Tesco also has 17 different programmes for graduates including a store management programme and office programme.