Apprenticeships are important – here are five ways they could be better

There is a lively debate taking place about how apprenticeships can contribute to the UK’s economic recovery – CMI’s discussion paper, Towards Flexibility and Productivity, was part of this. What’s clear is that many organisations are finding new value in apprenticeships, and see them as a way to rejuvenate their workforce at all levels. 

Co-op is one example of this trend. Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017, the retail group now has more than 750 apprentices in its workforce. For Co-op, the value goes beyond providing opportunities to new starters and established colleagues; it’s also using the levy (payable by organisations with a payroll of over £3m) for social good.

The initiative, called “Co-op Levy Share” launched in 2021. It collects levy from other organisations and distributes it to businesses in need, enabling them to spend it on training and assessment costs of apprenticeships, with a focus on improving social mobility.

The best thing about apprenticeships is that you learn as you go: you get the knowledge and then you try it out