The Co-operative has confirmed that it is to extend its Graduate Leadership Programme, making more places available in response to huge demand.
The mutual group announced this week that it would increase the number of places on the scheme from 19 to 27, having already launched its Apprenticeship Academy earlier in the year. It is hoped the latter will provide around 2,000 roles for young jobseekers across the Co-op’s various businesses.
“The expansion of our graduate programme reflects The Co-operative's commitment to inspiring young people and tackling the shockingly high youth unemployment in this country,” said Co-op graduate programme manager Rachel Rotherham. “We would urge other businesses to take similar action by increasing the number of opportunities they offer young people.”
Figures recently published by the Office for National Statistics revealed that the overall level of youth unemployment had surpassed one million for the first time in the UK’s history, prompting much debate and concern over the job prospects of young people.
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, meanwhile, today unveiled plans to offer a £1bn subsidy to employers in order to encourage them to provide more work and training placements.
