The 2,000 apprenticeship places will cost about £9m over the next two years and the group hopes this will be extended to apply to all young people who join the firm.
The apprenticeship academy will organise the group’s work-based training for apprentices, which involves them working in at last one other area of the co-operative’s business.
The academy will also offer the chance to take recognised qualifications such as an NVQ and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Group chief executive Peter Marks said the measures were aimed at helping young people progress in their careers as well as improving the image of young people in society.
Other initiatives include a £2m investment in the group’s Truth About Youth campaign to challenge negative perceptions of young people and £500,000 will be spent on a campaign to lower the voting age to 16.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
