The scheme, the first to be offered by a retail company, will allow staff to study web-based mathematics and English courses up to NVQ level 2 (the equivalent of five GCSEs).
The course will be assessed based on employees' skills and capabilities, as well as on-the-job training - so training in stock control, merchandising and health and safety can count towards the formal qualification.
Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King [pictured with skills secretary John Denham and Sainsbury's HRD Imelda Walsh], said: "This launch demonstrates learning never stops at Sainsbury's and every one of our [employees] can improve their skills, which not only benefits our customers, but also supports our colleagues to achieve their full potential."
The retailer hopes at least 25% of its workforce will have attained the qualification in the next five years.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme, skills secretary John Denham added: "I hope other companies will follow [Sainsbury's] example and make learning new skills and, where possible, gaining relevant qualifications, an integral part of work.
Sainsbury's staff get chance of formal qualifications
Sainsburys is to offer nationally recognised qualifications to its entire workforce of 150,000.
