The Co-operative Group today promised to recruit 800 apprentices this year – half of them in Greater Manchester.

The Manchester-headquartered Co-op said it would double the number of apprenticeships it created in 2011.

Up to 400 of the jobs will be within the group's banking headquarters and head office in Manchester.

The Co-op said opportunities would be created across its businesses, which range from food, pharmacy and motors to legal and financial services and farming, as well as many corporate functions such as IT and human resources.

Its announcement came as the country gears up to mark National Apprenticeship Week and at a time when youth unemployment is rising.

Figures released earlier this week by universities also revealed a massive drop in applications since the introduction of a £9,000 maximum tuition fee, which many institutions have chosen to charge.

Peter Marks, chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said: “Youth unemployment is spiralling with over one million 16 to25-year-olds out of work.

“Coupled with the unpredictable economic future, it’s no surprise that some young people feel unsupported and demotivated.

“We believe businesses have a real responsibility to open doors for young people by giving them opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge and experience so that together we can build a strong and successful future for young people and our country.

“Through our Apprenticeship Academy, we are offering young people across the UKproper jobs with qualifications and real career opportunities.

“The professionalism and enthusiasm shown by all of the apprentices we have recruited so far shows just how much young people have to offer.

“There are so many young people looking for opportunities such as this and we have been overwhelmed by the hard work and commitment our new apprentices have already shown in their roles.

“Due to the success of our Apprenticeship Academy in the past six months, we are doubling the number of apprenticeships we offer to young people right across our business in 2012.”

The Apprentice Academy scheme is on track to provide 2,000 apprenticeships for young people by 2014.

The £9m academy – an initiative which operates across the country - offers young people transferable skills, competitive salaries and qualifications.

The Co-op said that its “vision” was for all new recruits under the age of 25 to become part of the Academy.

The mutual operates 4,800 retail trading outlets, employs more than 106,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £13bn.

National Apprenticeship Week will take place between February 6 and 9, with more than 500 events and activities planned across England.

*Apprenticeship provider Damar Training enjoyed its busiest ever period in the last quarter of 2011 – signing up 191 new recruits.

Damar, based in Stockport, which is a specialist in “matching employers with quality employees”, said most of the new apprentices fell into the government's “priority” age group of 16-24.

Those recruiting apprentices in partnership with Damar include BASF, Cheadle, Cobbetts solicitors, Manchester, and the Skills Funding Agency.

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