Co-operative Group joins forces with NCWE to develop North West talent

THE Co-operative Group has partnered with the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) to develop a student work placement programme to attract some of the best talent for its graduate scheme.

The NCWE’s Quality Mark (QM) criteria and assessment process will be used to develop a new scheme based on best practice. The QM evaluates all aspects of a work experience programme against six key areas, including commitment, recruitment and evaluation.

The QM Board has endorsed the proposed programme, pending full accreditation in one year’s time.

Heather Collier, director of the NCWE said: “With internships ranking increasingly high on the government’s agenda for graduates to improve employability, we are pleased to see such an influential organisation committed to providing the absolute highest calibre of experience.”

“The Quality Mark is a valuable tool for companies to use in this way; building and improving programmes that will be fully accredited with evidence of successful implementation.”