More to your Co-op than just a shop

You may already know your Co-op as your one-stop, convenience shop at the corner of your road, but did you know we have a range of fuel forecourts, pharmacies and a funeral directors too?

It means that a job with your Co-op might be more diverse than you first thought, which is perfect if you are looking to try out different pathways in the career world.

Studying sciences, pharmaceutics or medicine? Our pharmacies are at the heart of the community and provide an insight into the clinical and general skills which can be gained from working as a first point of call for Islanders.

For those doing business-orientated degrees or vocational studies, there are opportunities to boost your experience in support office roles.

From marketing and digital, to commercial and merchandising and human resources to IT, there are opportunities at your community retailer to learn about the different elements that help to make a business work.

A job that works around you? Sounds good to us

One of the best things about a job with your Co-op is the flexibility to work around you.

We know that life does not always run from nine ‘til five, which is why a job with flexibility at your Co-op may just be the right fit.

Do you have childcare responsibilities or studies during the day? Or perhaps you have a full working week and are looking to work a few hours at the weekend. We have a selection of roles that offer a variety of hours and working patterns to suit.

What’s more, a summer job could just be the start to more regular opportunities, such as Christmas holidays leading to more regular employment.

Whether it’s full-time or part-time, day or night, temporary or long-term, you can be in control of your career with your Co-op.

Experience to take with you

Working with us is perfect for gaining vital work experience in a wide variety of careers.

Working in retail helps to develop skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork. It can also help build an understanding in business and commercial awareness, or simply provide an appreciation towards the world of work and earning your own income.

If you’re just starting out in the world of work, or looking to change careers completely, we might just be able to help you take the first steps.

Many of our colleagues have joined the organisation and have embraced the opportunity to develop their skills, whether it is in accounting, management, technology, marketing or retail.

Our human resources and learning and development teams are passionate about welcoming individuals who are enthusiastic and eager to learn and see their career grow from strength to strength.

Filipe Perestrelo is just one of many colleagues who has seen his career go from strength to strength at the Co-op.

He said: ‘When I joined back as a general assistant back in 2011, I didn’t think that it would be the start of a career in retail for me.’

His dedication and commitment have seen him progress up to his current role as an assistant deputy manager. Alongside his work, Filipe has completed his Level 3 Retail apprenticeship, and is now doing his CMI apprenticeship.

‘Working and studying is always a balancing act,’ he explains, ‘but with working at the Co-op and completing my studies, it was like putting all the elements of what I was learning into action every day.'

Ready to discover how a job with your Co-op can make a real difference?

Visit our careers page to find out more.

Article originally featured in Jersey Evening Post, 17 August 2022