The Sainsbury’s Supplier Trainee Partnerships will help over 100 people find work in the coming year and the first entrants will start on site in July.

The Partnerships will be operated in conjunction with 60 of Sainsbury’s top suppliers in the construction, engineering, facilities management and retail markets.

Places are open to anyone who is currently unemployed and successful applicants will receive a 12 month paid contract to work for contractors on a variety of Sainsbury’s projects including developing new stores and redeveloping existing sites.

It is hoped that all of the trainees will gain full employment from contractors or enter into higher education once the programme has been completed.

Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury’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.

“This is a groundbreaking initiative and we hope that other companies will follow our lead in getting the country working as well as providing meaningful opportunities for unemployed people.”