The Co-op has collaborated with the City & Guilds Foundation, announcing the launch today (29 July) of rail engineering apprenticeships, which will take place at the Centre of Excellence skills hub, based at HMP Highpoint.
The new initiative aims to tackle the UK’s rail engineering skills shortages while significantly reducing reoffending rates - a problem currently costing the UK economy over £21 billion each year, it says.
From August, the programme, which has been created directly in response to Co-op members’ requests at its AGM to focus on reducing re-offending and supporting rehabilitation, will allow prisoners to complete full apprenticeships and their end-point assessments before release, giving them the chance to earn a Level 2 qualification in Rail Engineering Operatives and move straight into employment and directly into track engineering roles on release.
Thanks to the Co-op Levy Share which brings together funds from itself and others to support apprenticeships for underrepresented groups – employers can help support rehabilitation by transferring their unspent apprenticeship levy funds.
The Co-op Levy Share allows like-minded partners to pledge up to 50% of annual unspent apprenticeship levy funds and share them in a targeted way to support the provision of apprenticeships in underrepresented groups.
Recent data shows that if someone leaving prison is employed within six weeks of release, their likelihood of reoffending is cut by half. Recognising the untapped potential within the prison system, this programme aims to support skills development and improve employment outcomes for those preparing to re-enter society.
Claire Costello, chief people and inclusion officer at the Co-op, said: “We believe everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Our partnership with City & Guilds Foundation demonstrates the transformative power of targeted training, employment, and genuine opportunity.
“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.”
“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.
Kirstie Donnelly, Chief Executive Officer at City & Guilds, added: “At City & Guilds we have a deep understanding of the power of skills to change lives. Apprenticeships have long been one of the most effective ways to gain quality skills and sustained employment, and I am delighted with some of the outcomes already achieved through quality training in the prison estate.
“When people in custody can access training that leads to meaningful work, they’re far less likely to reoffend and instead can contribute to their community - rather than costing it - on release.”
Each apprenticeship represents a £12k investment, underscoring a strong commitment to high-quality training and ongoing support. Since its conception in 2021, the Co-op Levy share has seen £38.2m in pledges and has funded over 3,500 apprentices from diverse backgrounds.
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