Up to 12 unemployed young people are to be offered full-time positions with Asda on the back of a successful trial of a training course held by the retail giant and youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

The four-week Get into Retail programme offered 12 unemployed 16-to 25-year-olds the opportunity to gain work experience, accredited skills and retail-related training in Asdas across the North East of England.

The scheme, the first of its kind to be launched by a multiple, provided mentors from both Asda and the trust to train candidates in merchandising, customer care, customer service and stock control. They also offered career support and advice on interview techniques.

All the candidates were offered full-time work on the basis of their enthusiasm and commitment.

Asda people director Hayley Tatum said the programme had the “added benefit” of bringing the retailer into contact with people who may not otherwise have applied for a job but “nonetheless, have the natural aptitude and enthusiasm to succeed”.

“We have been blown away by the commitment that has been shown by these first 12 participants, and I’m pleased to be able to offer every single one a permanent position in store,” she said.

Jonathan Townsend, regional director for The Prince’s Trust in the North of England added: “There are currently almost one million young people struggling to find work, which shows that schemes like the Get into Retail programme are needed now more than ever.”

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