Co-op is creating more than 600 apprenticeships - but not in retail.

The convenience chain is working with The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood to launch the apprenticeships in the early years sector, as reported by Retail Gazette.

The scheme will support employers across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors which work with young children.

The new Co-op Levy Share scheme will allow companies to pledge up to half of their yearly unspent apprenticeship levy funds and share them to support apprenticeships for underrepresented groups.

The retailer has pledge to raise £5m over the next five years to support children under 5, starting with £1m from members of the Business Taskforce.

Co-op welcomed the government's plans for a new growth and skills levy to replace the apprenticeship levy, which it said would help fund 600 apprenticeships in the early years sector.

The Co-op said a quarter of its staff have caring responsibilities, which is one of the reasons it is committed to working with The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood.