Exciting opportunities at Central Co-op this A-level results day

Today marks a significant milestone for thousands of young people across the country as A-level results are released. Whether the day brings joy, relief or even a little uncertainty, it’s a moment to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that has brought students to this point. At Central Co-op, we’re here to support the next steps, whatever they may be.

New apprenticeships for A-level graduates
In recognition of A-level results day, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a number of vacancies ideal for school leavers with A levels (or equivalent) with 2 management apprenticeship programmes starting this September. These exciting roles are based in Lichfield, Derby, Leicester and Birmingham, offering young people the chance to kickstart their careers in a supportive and ethical environment.

Our new roles include a Business Management Degree apprenticeship and Retail Leadership apprenticeships. These provide a blend of hands-on experience and academic learning, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern workplace.

Why apprenticeships?
A recent YouGov poll revealed that two out of three 16 to 25-year-olds feel there aren’t enough good jobs for young people. This concern, coupled with challenges such as mental health issues, job security and climate change, highlights the importance of finding meaningful and sustainable career paths. 

Co-operatives like Central Co-op offer a powerful solution to these challenges. By providing ethical employment, we ensure that young people have a real say in their working lives. Our apprenticeship programmes are designed not only to develop professional skills but also to empower young people to become leaders in their communities.

Supporting your career journey
At Central Co-op, we’re committed to supporting young people at every stage of their career journey. Our early career programmes and apprenticeships are designed to help you progress through our “Difference Maker Academy,” and we’ve recently launched an Under 25s colleague network to ensure that young voices are heard and valued within our Society.

Sarah Dickins, our Chief Customer, Member, and People Officer, and Executive Sponsor of the Under 25s colleague network, shared her thoughts: “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!”

Expanding opportunities for young people
In addition to our new apprenticeships, we’re proud to pledge 300 work experience placements this year and to support an additional 1,500 students through our employability workshops. These placements will be available in our food stores, funeral homes or at our Support Centre in Lichfield, offering valuable insights into various roles within our Society.

Whether you're a student in years 10 and 11, on a college or university course, or an adult looking to retrain, these placements offer a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real working environment. To make the experience even more enriching, we’re offering a complimentary meal deal to all participants.

Your future starts here
Whether you’re celebrating your A-level results or exploring your next steps, Central Co-op is here to support you. With new apprenticeships, extensive work experience opportunities, and a commitment to ethical employment, we’re dedicated to helping you build a bright and sustainable future.

 Congratulations to all A-level students today - your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you!

 For more information on our apprenticeship vacancies, visit: careers.coop/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx and for early career options, visit: careers.coop/early-careers.aspx