Central Co-op is pledging 300 work experience placements this year, and supporting a further 1,500 students in employability workshops through its “adopt a school” programme.

Local store managers will collaborate with schools and colleges to offer the work experience opportunities throughout the year for students in Year 10 and 11, those on college or university courses, and adults seeking to retrain.

The placements, available in the convenience retailer’s food stores, as well as its funeral homes or Lichfield Support Centre, will provide participants with insights into various roles with Central Co-op.

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It comes as a YouGov poll found that two out of three 16 to 25-year-olds feel there are not enough good jobs for young people, and according to Co-operatives UK, young people today face significant challenges such as mental health concerns, job security, career prospects and climate change.

Central Co-op chief customer, member and people officer, and executive sponsor of the Under 25s colleague network, Sarah Dickins said: “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 into their future, but the future of our communities as well.”

Earlier this year, Central Co-op boosted staff pay to £12 an hour alongside paid breaks from 1 April, marking a 24% increase in base pay over the past two years.

The new rates equate to an extra £2,535 per year for a full-time customer service assistant.