The Co-op has announced a major £70 million investment to create thousands of new apprenticeship opportunities, providing a significant boost for job seekers from 2026 through to the end of the decade.
A Multi-Million Pound Investment in Futures
This ambitious plan will see the retailer back 7,000 new apprenticeships by 2030. The initiative is designed to open doors for individuals seeking to upskill or make a career change, particularly those who may find it difficult to access traditional training routes. The investment builds upon the success of the Co-op's existing Levy Share scheme.
Claire Costello, the Co-op’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer, stated that the company's goal is to transform "waste into opportunity." She confirmed that £40 million has already been channelled through the Levy Share initiative since its launch four years ago, supporting over 3,800 people into new roles.
Targeting Support Where It's Needed Most
A central focus of this expansion is on supporting communities and sectors with the greatest need. The Co-op has revealed that a significant two-thirds of its previous apprenticeships were in deprived communities, with a further third specifically within the care sector, which is experiencing critical staff shortages.
The Levy Share scheme is fundamental to this outreach. It works by redirecting unused apprenticeship levy funds from large employers to smaller businesses, charities, and community organisations, ensuring the money is used for training rather than being returned to the government.
Ms. Costello also emphasised the need for improved data collection on apprentice backgrounds, warning that without it, individuals from less-advantaged areas risk being overlooked.
How to Apply for a Co-op Apprenticeship
For those interested in securing one of these new roles, the application process is straightforward.
Visit the Co-op Careers Website: All current vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities are listed on the Co-op Jobs portal. Roles are advertised throughout the year across retail, customer service, logistics, and funeralcare.
Set Up Job Alerts: Creating an account on the careers site allows you to receive notifications when new apprenticeships or entry-level positions become available.
Prepare Your Application: Applications typically involve a short online form and a CV. For apprenticeship roles, you will usually also need to complete a brief skills or situational judgement assessment.
Apply Promptly: Apprenticeship positions, especially in popular areas like retail and community support, are filled quickly. Submitting your application as soon as possible after a role is advertised will increase your chances of success.
