Shaping futures: Sophie’s experience in the PR Team
Date Published: 17/04/2025 | Blog category: Other
This week, we're shining a light on all the amazing work experience opportunities we offer in Retail, Funeral and our Support Centre, right across our trading estate.
During her time with the PR team at our Support Centre in Lichfield, Sophie Knowles gained valuable insights into the world of communications and early careers. Her article reflects not only her growing confidence and enthusiasm for working life, but also the strength of Central Co-op’s commitment to supporting young people. From contributing ideas for upcoming careers events to interviewing team members, Sophie’s experience showcases how meaningful work experience can inspire and empower the next generation.
"At Central Co-op, I have seen first-hand throughout my work experience a phenomenal work environment and an exceptional amount of attitude to work. It has made me adjust my perspective and attitude toward working, and now I can contemplate the proposition of a working life in a more constructive and positive light - truly seeing the beneficial sides to work. I believe that anyone could have a work placement at Central Co-op and feel profoundly gratified with the experience.
"Central Co-op offer an early careers programme where they produce lasting connections and methods of aid for young people who are shaping their very own career. These involve the EJGL: Explore, Join, Grow and Leap. The first factor, Explore, equates to operating Co-operative values into the local community, for example Secondary Schools, providing work experience and various workshops.
"During my work experience, I interviewed Helen Stone, Recruitment and Early Careers Manager, and we discussed various aspects of starting an early career at Central Co-op. One aspect that stood out to me was that if someone who has completed work experience at Central Co-op wanted to go for a role that did their experience in, then they would be able to get a guarenteed interview if a position became available. This is a huge thing, as it offers a great opportunity to young people who already have a background in Central Co-op's values.
"Helen believes that a lack of guidance is one of the reasons why young people struggle with decision-making when starting their career, and believes that a powerful solution to this would be if schools, colleges and sixth forms focused more on prominent aspects that occur in a career - like relationships in the workplace and how these associations can boost confidence when choices and commitments are approached.
"An additional theme in this interview that holds notable value was the transformation between student life to working life, this is a common struggle that young people face when entering the workforce.
