Central England Co-op has joined the government’s Kickstart scheme to recruit young people in over 40 new positions.
The scheme, which funds 25-hour week placements for six months, aims to “kickstart” careers for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term employment.
The retailer has created placements across the organisation’s business functions from its Business Support Centre in Lichfield, its Distribution Hub in Leicester, and roles in its funeral-care team.
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Although the government funds minimum wage (£8.91 per hour), the Co-op plans to top-up its hourly rate for its Kickstarters.
“As a co-operative with a purpose of creating a sustainable Society for all, giving young people opportunities to develop their skills and their careers is something we are always keen to do,” Central England Co-op talent and workforce manager Nicola Thomas said.
“We’ve decided to join the Kickstart Scheme firstly to help young people get back into work, but it is also of benefit to us an employer to help create a diverse talent pipeline into our organisation for the future as although these are initial six-month placements, we hope those taking part will become part of Central England Co-op for the years to come.”
The Co-op has also partnered with Prince’s Trust to provide “wrap-around support” and “provide employability skills and training for the whole of the placement.”
Thomas added: “We will also add to that support with our own learning and development offering as well, meaning the young people come away with something really valuable after the six months with the possibility of a permanent role with us or otherwise being equipped with skills to take forward to permanent employment elsewhere.”
The retailer has created 43 positions, with 20 roles in its distribution team in Leicester, 15 in its funeral-care operations including floral, masonry, crematorium and frontline funeral teams.
An additional eight positions will also be open in its Business Support Centre in Lichfield in human resources and finance.
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