Co op: thousands of new supermarket apprenticeships announced for 2026–2030 - how to apply to jobs and careers
The retailer is backing thousands of life-changing apprenticeships across retail, care, and community roles 🌟
- Co-op is investing £70m to create 7,000 new apprenticeships by 2030
- The Levy Share scheme redirects unused apprenticeship funds to support training
- Two-thirds of previous apprenticeships have been in deprived communities, with a third in care
- Claire Costello says the aim is to turn ‘waste into opportunity’ and reach those who need it most
- Applications for roles and apprenticeships can be made via the Co-op Careers website
Thousands of people looking for a new start in 2026 and beyond could soon benefit from a major expansion of apprenticeship opportunities.
One major supermarket has unveiled a £70 million plan to create 7,000 placements by the end of the decade.
In an economy where upskilling and career pivots are becoming increasingly common, the Co-op’s investment is designed to open doors for people who might otherwise struggle to access training.
A key focus will be on roles in deprived communities and sectors that desperately need staff, including care, retail, logistics, and community services.
The £70m commitment builds on the retailer’s Levy Share initiative, a scheme that takes unused apprenticeship levy funds from large employers and redirects them to small businesses, charities, and community organisations.
Instead of going to waste, that money covers training costs for new apprentices.
Four years after the scheme’s launch, more than 3,800 people have already been supported into roles, two-thirds of them in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas. The next phase of expansion aims to nearly double that impact.
Claire Costello, the Co-op’s chief people and inclusion officer, said the retailer wants to make sure funding reaches those who need it most.
She said: “We launched Co-op Levy Share to unlock unused levy funds and turn waste into opportunity. Four years on, we’ve already channelled £40 million into thousands of life-changing apprenticeships, and today we’re going further.”
She also called for improved data collection on the backgrounds of apprentices, warning that without it, groups from less-advantaged communities could be overlooked.
How to apply for Co-op apprenticeships and jobs
If you’d like to work for the Co-op or apply for one of its upcoming apprenticeships, here’s how to get started:
- 1. Check Co-op’s careers site: Visit the Co-op Jobs website and browse current vacancies. Apprenticeship roles are listed throughout the year, covering retail, customer service, logistics, funeralcare, and more.
- 2. Set up job alerts: You can create an account and receive alerts when new apprenticeships or entry-level roles go live.
- 3. Prepare your application: Most roles require a short online form and CV. For apprenticeships, you’ll usually also complete a brief skills or situational judgement assessment.
- 4. Apply early: Apprenticeships fill quickly, especially those in retail and community support, so applying as soon as they appear will give you the best chance.
Are you job-hunting? To view thousands of roles available right now, visit the JobsToday website.