Widnes supermarket celebrates first graduates Asda Skills Academy

Feb 13 2012 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

STAFF working at Asda in Widnes are among the first to graduate from the Asda Skills Academy after completing an apprenticeship programme with the supermarket retailer.

Last week’s inaugural ceremony, which marked the start of National Apprenticeship Week, saw Widnes colleagues Angie Leadbetter, Nadine Rorison, Steph Helps, Kelsey Jones and Danielle Littler join more than 100 fellow apprentices from across the UK to receive their level two and three City & Guilds qualifications from Asda President and chief executive, Andy Clarke.

Graduates from the Asda Skills Academy have successfully completed 12 modules of study designed to develop their retail knowledge and skills, as well as presenting a portfolio of their work to City & Guilds for assessment.

Andy Clarke, chief executive and president of Asda, said: “This is a really special day for us. I’m incredibly proud to see our first colleagues graduate from the Asda Skills Academy.

“Training and qualifications don’t just give people pieces of paper – they give them the confidence to do more than they thought they could. That’s why, at Asda, we don’t just offer our colleagues a job, but provide them with the means and the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence and to build a fulfilling career.

More than 4,200 Asda workers enrolled on the apprenticeship programme when the retailer launched the initiative in June 2011.

This week Asda is offering more workers the opportunity to enrol on the programme with the second intake of apprentices.

Chris Jones, director general of City & Guilds, said: “Apprenticeships are core to our purpose of enabling people and organisations to develop their skills for personal and economic growth.

“That’s why we are delighted to have been involved in developing Asda’s apprenticeship programme from the start and are extremely proud to celebrate the achievements of its first graduates. Asda’s Skills Academy is a great boost towards the success of our Million Extra campaign and to apprenticeships overall.”