A link-up between Norfolk County Council and a major supermarket chain is set to see adults with disabilities and learning difficulties given training in a real-life working environment.

The Future Factor scheme, which began at Easter and aims to give people skills they need to get a job, is set to take on a new intake of students next month. But while the last group to complete the course found themselves based in classrooms, a new agreement with Asda will mean the next participants will be based in its supermarkets in Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth.

Tom Molloy, county council assistant head of services for adult education, said: 'The learners will be able to experience this course in a real working environment.'

Students will gain work experience on the shop floor as well as using Asda's training rooms and having access to the supermarket chain's online training programmes.

Saffron King, community life champion at Asda Norwich, said: 'The Norfolk adult education and guidance service scheme works incredibly hard to give people the skills to find employment and encourage independent living.'

Future Factor is now recruiting learners for next month's course.

For more information telephone Annie Goff at Norfolk County Council on 01603 306522 or email her at annie.goff@norfolk.gov.uk

victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk