Co-op takes on apprentices

The Co-operative Group is the take on 2,000 apprenticeships across all sectors, including insurance, to offer a non-graduate route to top jobs within the firm, the FT reports.

It is to invest £9m in an Apprenticeship Academy as part of a £16m package of support for young people, aiming to “reverse the negative image and treatment of those aged 25 and under and support their?.?.?.?ambitions”.

Peter Marks, chief executive of the £14bn-a-year Manchester-based business, has backed the campaign personally.