Co-op is investing in more than 600 early years apprenticeships as part of its levy initiative.

Co-op's Levy Share service works with other employers who can put up to 50 per cent of their annual unspent apprenticeship levy funds towards targeted apprenticeships aimed at underrepresented groups.

The retailer has pledged to raise £5 million towards the early childhood fund over the next five years.

The fund will be targeted at employers across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors who support the wellbeing of 0-5 years olds.

The investment aims to support the government's pledge to create 3,000 nurseries across England and 100,000 new nursey places.

“With the Government’s pledge to create much needed physical capacity in the early years sector, it is great that through our levy initiative we can help attract more people into the sector, giving them the opportunity to consider an early year’s career and the correct training," said Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq.

The apprenticeships are being created in partnership with The Royal Foundation’s Business Taskforce for Early Childhood.

Khoury-Haq said that Co-op is also currently in talks with other taskforce members to see how they can contribute towards further funding.

It is additionally looking to other businesses not already involved in the taskforce to invest and support its levy scheme.

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