Regional consumer co-operative Central Co-op has pledged 300 work experience placements this year and support to an additional 1,500 students through employability workshops.
Local store managers from the Lichfield-based organisation will collaborate with schools and colleges to offer work experience opportunities to students in years 10 and 11, those on college or university courses and adults seeking to retrain.
The placements will be offered in Central Co-op’s food stores, funeral homes or at its Support Centre in Lichfield.
Participants will be given valuable insights into various roles within the Society and will receive a complimentary meal deal during their placement.
The pledge was made on World Youth Skills Day earlier this week and ties in with the Society’s recently launched Under 25s colleague network, which is helping to prioritise early career paths and amplify young voices.
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 has around 20 food stores and funeral homes in Staffordshire.
For more information about Central Co-op’s early careers, click here.
