Central Co-op to offer 300 work experience placements
Local Central Co-op store managers will collaborate with schools and colleges to offer these work experience opportunities throughout the year
Central Co-op has pledged 300 work experience placements this year across funeral homes, food stores and its support centre in Lichfield, and aims to support an additional 1,500 students through employability workshops as part of its “adopt a school” programme.
It comes as the group wanted to celebrate Youth Skills Day yesterday (15 July) with a “significant” investment to support young people’s employment and early careers development.
As part of the pledge, local Central Co-op store managers will collaborate with schools and colleges to offer these work experience opportunities throughout the year.
The programme will be offered to students in years 10 and 11, those on college or university courses, and adults seeking retraining.
According to a YouGov poll, two out of three 16 to 25-year-olds feel there are not enough good jobs for young people, while Co-operatives UK has found that young people today face significant challenges such as mental health concerns, job insecurity, poor prospects and climate change.
Sarah Dickins, chief customer, member and people officer at Central Co-op and executive sponsor of the Under 25s colleague network, said: “At Central Co-op, we recognise that young people in our communities are our difference makers. We believe that nurturing young talent is not just an investment in their future but also in the future of our communities.
“This year we’re looking to expand our entry-level programmes to include school and college leavers – so watch this space!”
Central Co-op also offers “structured and successful” early career programmes and apprenticeships at all levels to support young people as they progress through the group’s Difference Maker Academy.
