Sainsbury's offers work experience to 10,000 young people under new scheme

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 13:00 EDT, 26 August 2026 Sainsbury's will offer work experience to 10,000 young people from the age of 14 in a bid to tackle the youth unemployment crisis. Candidates across England, Scotland and Wales, will get to go behind the scenes in its stores and meet staff from various departments such as tech, logistics and food.They’ll see how fresh produce reaches shelves ‘from farm to fork,’ and get help with CVs, interviews and job applications.Split into two age groups, the programmes will launch in October 2026. The first scheme, KickStarter Insights is for 16 to 24-year-olds, while KickStart Explore is for 14 to 18-year-olds.KickStarter Insights will consist of one-day regional employability workshops, focusing on interview prep and job applications. We reveal how to apply for KickStarter below Sainsbury's said people who are interested should register directly by emailing early.careers@sainsburys.co.uk. Kickstart Explore is designed for school students and will offer ‘a blend of in-school learning and practical work experience.’This will include a mix of in-school workshops, digital sessions and store visits, adding up to roughly 24 hours per student. Students can't apply directly as the scheme is organised through their school. The programme will target schools with higher levels of free school meal uptake and communities where young people face the biggest barriers to work. Sainbury's says it will cover lunch and travel for those taking part. Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive, said: ‘Few things matter more to us at Sainsbury’s than helping young people get on that first rung on the career ladder. With a quarter of our colleagues under 25, we see every day how much a first job can change lives.’ Young people face tough employment market It comes as findings from the Work Foundation, a think-tank based at Lancaster University, report a tough employment outlook for young adults.The report revealed 36 per cent of firms have reduced the number of entry-level jobs open to 16 to 24-year-olds in the past year. And 73 per cent of bosses believe the rise in worklessness among young people is a ‘national crisis’.Over one million young people aged 16 to 24 are classed as Neets – meaning they are not in employment, education or training.Apprenticeships can be a brilliant gateway into certain careers, with the added bonus of not leaving those who get on to them saddled with debt.These schemes exist across various industries and range from trade and skills-based roles all the way to so-called degree-apprenticeships that place you in high-paid corporate roles, such as in finance or pharmaceuticals.Some require A-Levels to be accepted, while others can be accessed with only GCSEs.We compiled a list of Britain's best apprenticeships right now. We've also rounded up some of the best-paying jobs that don't require a degree. From the police force and HSBC to Octopus Energy, employers are recruiting for trainee and entry-level roles.They are offering paid training, the chance for successful applicants to earn recognised qualifications and salaries of up to £42,210 a year.SAVE MONEY, MAKE MONEYUp to £250 cashbackUp to £250 cashback2.5% cashback when investing at least £2004.61% cash Isa4.61% cash IsaTrading 212: 1.01% fixed 12-month bonus£200 Sipp cashback£200 Sipp cashbackFund a pension with at least £20,000Up to £150 cashbackUp to £150 cashbackOpen a savings account with at least £5,000Welcome bonusWelcome bonusGet up to £200 when you invest £100Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Terms and conditions apply on all offers.