Asda has set up a skills academy in partnership with City & Guilds.

The Asda Skilly Academy is an accredited programme with staff able to work towards qualifications in various aspects of retail, including customer service, fresh food and visual merchandising. Launched this week, already 3,000 staff have signed up.

It follows Asda’s commitment to offering 15,000 work experience placements to 14-16 year olds.

Chief executive Andy Clarke said: “I know personally just how important it is to learn new skills, and how life changing they can be for a young person starting out.

“At Asda, we don’t just offer our colleagues a job, we give them the opportunity to build a fulfilling career in retail.

“Our new Academy gives colleagues a bespoke training programme that allows them to develop their skills and careers in a way that suits them.”