Co-op sets up scheme to create over 600 apprenticeships for early years sector
Co-op is spearheading a scheme that will aim to create over 600 apprentices for the early years sector.
Working with other members of The Royal Foundation’s Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, the group said the programme is aimed at employers across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors who support the wellbeing of 0-5 years olds.
It will also help play a role in delivering the workforce required to staff the creation of 3,000 nurseries across England.
This will be achieved through the Co-op Levy Share service which allows like-minded partners to pledge up to 50% of annual unspent apprenticeship levy funds and share them to support apprenticeships in underrepresented groups.
Co-op is creating a specific fund in support of early childhood, with a starting pledge of £1 million from members of the Business Taskforce and a commitment to raising £5 million over the next five years. There will also be additional pledges from Mid-Counties Co-operative.
Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “Whether we are parents or not, we will all have young children in our lives, and we will understand the importance of supporting them and also their parents through the early years.
“Our Co-op is a 5.5 million strong member owned organisation with more than 56,000 colleagues.
“A quarter of our Co-op colleagues have caring responsibilities, which is one of the many reasons why we are absolutely committed to playing our part in the work of The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood.”
