Co-op is launching the first rail engineering apprenticeships in collaboration with City & Guilds Foundation.

The initiative, which will be launched at the centre of excellence skills hub at HMP Highpoint, aims to tackle the UK’s rail engineering skills shortages while lowering reoffending rates, which currently cost the UK economy over £21bn per year.

From August, the programme will enable prisoners to complete full apprenticeships and their end-point assessments before release.

This will give them the chance to earn a Level 2 qualification in rail engineering operatives and move straight into employment and directly into track engineering roles after release. 

The programme was created in response to the convenience chain‘s members’ requests at its annual general meeting (AGM) to focus on reducing re-offending and supporting rehabilitation.

Through Co-op’s levy share scheme — which pools unused apprenticeship levy funds from the retailer and other employers — businesses can help support rehabilitation by directing those funds towards apprenticeships for underrepresented groups.

The initiative allows employers to pledge up to 50% of their annual unspent levy and share it in a targeted way, helping to create apprenticeship opportunities for people who often face barriers to work.

The move comes as around 80% of offending is reoffending.

Co-op chief people and inclusion officer Claire Costello said: “At Co-op, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future—for themselves and for their communities. 

“Our partnership with City & Guilds Foundation demonstrates the transformative power of targeted training, employment, and genuine opportunity.”

“It is great that through our levy initiative we can invest in people and equip them with skills that are in high demand, not just reducing reoffending but also helping to tackle critical skills shortages in the UK rail sector, strengthening the fabric of society.  

“We’re inviting other businesses to join us in pledging their unspent levy, helping to create more second chances and build a more inclusive workforce across the UK, whilst delivering lasting benefit to communities nationwide.” 

In August, Co-op set up more than 600 apprenticeships for the early years sector with The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood.

The initiative spans employers across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors that support the wellbeing of young children.

While in July 2024, Co-op was also among retailers to welcome the government’s plans for a new growth and skills levy, which replaced the apprenticeship levy.

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