Asda is expanding its school engagement programme nationwide for the first time, launching a virtual model to schools and colleges across England.

This builds on three years of the initiative which aims to help young people develop career skills and positively impact their communities.

Running from September, teachers will be able to deliver the programme directly in classrooms through an online platform with access to materials, including half-termly lesson plans.

Asda’s initiative focuses on teaching employability skills to young people while encouraging students to address real-world sustainability challenges which are aligned to the retailer’s environmental priorities and the UN sustainable development goals.

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Asda runs a programme for primary students and Year 10 and Year 12 pupils where they learn about sustainability, and the older students receive mentoring from staff members.

Emma Brough, director of learning at Asda, said: “After two successful years working with schools across Yorkshire, we’re incredibly proud to be taking our school engagement programme to a national level.

“This programme is designed to showcase hidden careers within retail and give students practical skills they can carry into their future careers. By introducing a virtual offer, we’re giving even more young people access to meaningful learning experiences that they can apply to their local communities and future careers.”

This expansion comes after positive feedback from the previous years where schools reported increased student confidence and awareness of career opportunities.