The Co-operative Group

At the very heart of our business is our ethical foundation. We’re a co-operative and that means that we’re in business for a reason – for the good of our customers and members, for the benefit of the community and the wider world. While some retailers may be showing their corporate conscience today, our ethical beliefs and social agenda have always been fundamental to our business ever since we were founded back in 1863.

Over the last few years we’ve embarked on a period of reinvention and change that is driving the shape and success of our business. A new brand has been developed that brings out our heritage in a fresh and modern way. Our outlets are being updated.

We are winning awards for our new range of foods. We’ve been awarded Age Positive Employer Champion status by Age Positive. We recently picked up the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. We were even named the most ethical retailer in a survey conducted for The Grocer magazine. Within the community, we’re leading the campaign on the high street on important issues, such as tackling crime and reducing youth offending. We’re winning over more and more customers and members. We are growing our business and our profits – and that is benefiting everyone.

So many choices for graduates:

The Co-operative Graduate Programme - Finance and General Management: Whatever your degree, as the world’s largest consumer co-operative The Co-operative can offer you a graduate experience that is altogether different.

Their 9 different businesses – that vary from food to pharmacy, and from funerals to travel – will all be vying for your talents. Choosing the business critical projects that you work on, you’ll ensure that the entire experience meets your career ambitions. But the real difference is you’ll be part of a co-operative. This means you’ll be joining a business that’s as ethically minded as it is commercially focused – perfect if you want to achieve your goals without compromising your values.

The Co-operative Pharmacy Graduate Training Scheme: Community pharmacy is about being personally focused on the needs of your customers and the local community. Therefore, The Co-operative wants people with a Pharmacy degree who want to be more than just Pharmacists. Their Graduate Training Scheme gives you the chance to gain a broad range of experience, working alongside a tutor who will be there to help and advise you, guide you towards registration and help you to turn your academic achievements into a practical skill.

During the training, you’ll cover everything from the drug tariff to ostomy, first aid to consumer law; and you’ll also work closely with your colleagues and get the chance to prepare for your exams. Once they are over (and you’ve passed) there will be an intense induction programme providing you with the management skills to become a Co-operative Pharmacist and more training throughout your career.

The Co-operative Farms Management Training Programme: If you’ve got a degree or HND in agriculture and some practical experience, this is a great chance to work with the biggest farmer in the UK. During the course of the two years, you will learn a wide range of farming skills – from health and safety to agronomy and leadership development. There will be a series of placements on different farms that will give you a broad and in-depth insight into The Co-operative’s business, including farm office procedures, budgeting and reporting. Once you’ve finished the programme, you have every chance to become an assistant manager or enterprise manager on one of their farms.

Your rewards & benefits: The contribution our employees make to the success of our business is highly valued. These are just some of the rewards and benefits we offer:

A competitive salary

A personal holiday entitlement of up to 31 days

An award winning Pension Scheme.

For the second consecutive year, the scheme was awarded “Premier Scheme of the Year” by Professional Pensions magazine. Tax and NIC advantageous salary sacrifice schemes. (Currently Pensions & Childcare Vouchers)

An Employee Assistance Programme, which provides expert help and advice on a wide range of issues. There is a position for everyone at The Co-Operative and positions applied for frequently, so the sooner you apply, the better!