Sainsbury’s launches work experience programme to help young people secure jobs

“With nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training, the scale of the challenge facing us has never been clearer.

“Our new work experience programme will create around 10,000 opportunities over the next year, reaching the young people who need them most in communities right across the UK and helping them build the confidence, skills and experience to take their first step into work.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, said: “The youth unemployment crisis has been ignored for too long. This government is making it a top priority and bringing back hope.

“Last month we announced a shake-up of the education system, with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes. 

“Now we’re bringing employers, schools and colleges together to close the gap between the classroom and the workplace.”

Burnham added: “It’s great to see Sainsbury’s stepping up with 10,000 opportunities a year to help young people build confidence, gain experience and get a foot in the door. I encourage more businesses across the country to do the same. 

“Access to opportunity and work experience shouldn’t depend on who you know, it should be within reach for every young person wherever they live – and that’s what I’m determined to deliver.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, said: “I know from personal experience, that work experience is often the first taste of the world of work for a young person, and everyone should be able to access placements, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

“With around one in eight young people not in education, employment or training, I’ve made tackling youth unemployment a top priority, by investing in skills training and mentoring. 

“As one of the country’s largest employers, with hundreds of branches across London, it’s great to see Sainsbury’s stepping up and launching 10,000 work experience opportunities for young people. My first experience of work was in retail.” 

Khan added: “Programmes like this are vital for breaking down the barriers to work and building skills and confidence to thrive, as we continue to build a better, more prosperous capital for everyone.”

Reaction:

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC: 

“As the largest private sector employer, retail is a first step on the career ladder for thousands of people every year, building confidence, skills and experience that shapes their futures. 

“Helping more young people be work ready and those who need help breaking out of the no-experience, no-job doom loop is critical to addressing the NEETs crisis. 

“This great initiative is just the start as more retailers scale up the opportunities the industry can provide.”

Sarah Bradbury, chief executive at IGD: 

“Early interactions with employers are vital for opening young people’s eyes to the breadth of career opportunities available and helping prevent them from becoming NEET. 

“We called for food and drink businesses to explore the delivery of modern work experience as part of our Feeding Britain’s Future industry-wide movement and we’re delighted that Sainsbury’s has led the way, becoming one of the first businesses to turn that ambition into action through its new Modern Work Experience Programme. 

“Together, we can help more young people understand the careers that exist across food and drink and take their first steps towards a rewarding future.”

John Yarham, chief executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company: 

“Every young person deserves access to high-quality modern experience that gives them a pathway to opportunity, regardless of who they know or where they live. 

“We’re proud to partner with Sainsbury’s and IGD to create more flexible and inclusive opportunities in the food and drink industry. 

“With its scale and reach into communities across the country, Sainsbury’s can make a real difference, helping thousands of young people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to take their best next step.”