The Growth Company is proud to be one of the training providers backed by Co-op’s expanded Apprenticeship Levy Share initiative, a £70 million commitment that will create 7,000 apprenticeship opportunities across the UK by 2030.
Co-op’s Levy Share programme enables large employers to redirect unspent apprenticeship levy funds to smaller organisations, charities, community groups and training providers. Since launching in 2021, the initiative has already channelled around £40 million into training and created more than 3,800 apprenticeship placements nationwide.
Working together to widen opportunity
Businesses that have already pledged to support Co-op’s Levy Share initiative include Amazon, JD Sports, Mitie, HH Global - and the Growth Company.
We are delighted to stand alongside these leading employers as part of a collaborative effort to widen access to high-quality apprenticeships, boost skills, and create pathways into sustainable careers. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to improve social mobility, champion inclusive employment and strengthen workforce capabilities across the regions we serve.
Jon-Paul Rimington, Managing Director at the Growth Company, said,
“At the Growth Company, we are proud to partner with the Co-op and other forward-thinking employers through the Levy Share initiative.
Together, we’re tackling the skills shortages businesses face while making a real difference in people’s lives. We’re passionate about creating inclusive workplaces, supporting social mobility and helping people gain the skills they need to succeed.”
A significant proportion of the apprenticeships funded through the initiative are delivered in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. Current data from Co-op highlights that:
- Around two-thirds of placements have been created in areas facing the highest levels of deprivation
- 31% of apprentices identify as non-white British
- 67% are female
- 16% declare a disability
The programme focuses on high-demand sectors, including care, digital, engineering, manufacturing and rail. These areas are vital to economic growth and currently face acute skills shortages - making the Levy Share model an important strategic tool for employers, providers and local communities.
A shared commitment to skills and opportunity
As a not-for-profit provider of high-quality education, skills training, and apprenticeship delivery, the Growth Company welcomes Co-op’s leadership in driving meaningful investment into the UK talent pipeline.