ASDA offers foundation degree with on the job learning
Asda’s fashion line George will launch a “learn while you earn” foundation degree later this year amid a backdrop of acute youth unemployment, reports the Telegraph.
The retailer is set to trial the two-year scheme from August 2011 in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University.
The scheme, for post A-level students, is one of the first of its kind run by a clothes retailer. It comes after a number of employers, including KPMG and Starbucks, have recently announced qualifications for school leavers to combat rising tuition fees.
The George foundation degree will include 28 hours of teaching each week, with the opportunity to study for a full BA honours qualification if successful.
Caroline Massingham, people director at Asda, said: “The tough economy this year has led to rising youth unemployment, fewer university places and to increased costs of funding for university courses.
“This George retail foundation programme will provide the much needed platform for the one in five students who will not make it to university places and offers the opportunity to gain much needed work experience, earn a regular income and at the same time gain a university qualification.”
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