Sainsbury’s has struck a deal with 60 of its suppliers to train 100 unemployed people in trades that are currently suffering from underinvestment and skills shortages.

The Sainsbury’s Supplier Trainee Partnerships scheme will provide successful applicants with a 12-month paid contract to work for one of the supermarket chain’s key suppliers in construction, engineering, facilities management and retail on a range of projects. Such projects will include developing new stores and redeveloping existing sites.

Neil Sachdev, the company’s commercial director, said: “We have very ambitious and exciting growth plans which, combined with the excellent relationships we have with our suppliers, means we are able to offer these great trainee opportunities. This programme is a real chance for candidates to enjoy a year of unrivalled on-the-job training with companies that are leaders in their fields.”

He also called on other organisations to follow the retailer’s lead in providing meaningful opportunities for the unemployed, but added that the initiative “ultimately delivers long-term shareholder value by securing our future ability to grow as a profitable business”.

Participants will receive hands-on experience, be exposed to a variety of new skills and be subject to regular assessments. The scheme, which starts in July, is open to all unemployed people and the aim is to ensure that trainees are subsequently either offered a permanent job or go on to higher education.