Today, ASDA announced the roll out of its management apprenticeship programme, following a successful four-store-pilot in the London region.

The trial, which began in September, last year, will take 16 apprentices through a two year programme to become departmental store managers. The recruits from the Colindale, Wembley, Burgh Heath and Clapham stores will be the first to 'graduate' from the scheme, which will now roll out to further ASDA stores across the London area.*

Welcoming the announcement at the start of the first ever National apprenticeships week, Skills minister, David Lammy said,

"Apprenticeships are a key part of our drive to improve national skills levels, and to ensure that businesses and individuals realise their potential to develop and move forward. 

"I applaud ASDA for the efforts they are making in building a trained and qualified workforce, whilst offering a valuable opportunity for people across the UK to develop quality skills. I urge all employers to take advantage of the extra funding we have made to help them meet their skills needs, and come forward to make more high-quality Apprenticeship places available."

The minimum requirements to join the programme include 2 A levels or the equivalent at grade D or above plus GCSEs in Maths and English. Successful apprentices will be honoured with a city and guilds accreditation - Level 4 NVQ on completion of the two year course. Apprentices on the ASDA scheme can look forward to a competitive annual salary, with a fast track to promotion on completion of the course.

The programme consists of four stages lasting a total of 47 weeks, providing the apprentices with on the job management training, in a 'hands-on' working environment. The course culminates in a development centre, where colleagues are asked to take part in a number of exercises and role plays and deliver a presentation based on their journey through the scheme.

Candidates who are successful at the development centre will progress onto year two of training, leading to a foundation degree and post as a full time department manager.

David Smith People Director for ASDA said, "These colleagues could be running their own department, looking after a team of colleagues and satisfying the demands of 40,000 customers within 12 months of training."

New research released today by the Learning and Skills Council shows the significant benefits apprenticeships programmes can bring to employers. 88 per cent believe apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.